Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumettes

Name: Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumettes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken drumettes; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/4 cup sesame seeds; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Quick & Tasty Creations

I absolutely love making Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumettes for my family gatherings. This recipe has become a staple at our dinner table, thanks to its irresistibly sticky glaze that's both sweet and savory. The combination of sesame seeds and soy sauce creates a rich flavor profile that coats the chicken beautifully. Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare! With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can whip up these delightful drumettes that are sure to impress everyone. Perfect for parties or as a comforting dinner option!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-12T09:50:19.712Z

When I first tried Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumettes, I was amazed at how deliciously sticky they turned out. The recipe is straightforward, but it's the balance of ingredients that really makes it shine. I found that letting the drumettes marinate in the soy sauce mixture for longer enhances the flavor significantly, and it’s well worth the wait!

One tip I can't stress enough is to toast the sesame seeds before adding them to the dish. This action unlocks their nuttiness and adds an extra layer of depth to the dish that you'll relish. Trust me; it makes a huge difference in the final result!

Why You Will Love These Drumettes
Irresistibly sticky and sweet glaze
Quick and easy preparation for busy nights
Perfectly tender chicken with a crunchy sesame finish

The Importance of Marinade Time

Marinating the chicken drumettes is a crucial step that significantly impacts their flavor and texture. Allowing them to soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes gives the acidic components, like rice vinegar, time to tenderize the meat while infusing it with the rich blend of soy sauce and honey. For deeper flavor penetration, consider marinating overnight; this not only enhances the taste but also helps the chicken develop a beautifully glossy glaze when cooked.

If you're short on time, try giving the drumettes a quick massage in the marinade before placing them in the fridge. This helpful technique helps break down tough muscle fibers faster, ensuring a tender finish. Just be careful not to exceed marinating time too long—more than 24 hours can result in overly soft chicken with a mushy texture.

Perfecting the Baking Process

Getting the oven temperature right is key to achieving the perfect sticky finish on the chicken. Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) allows the chicken to cook evenly and helps caramelize the honey in the glaze. During baking, it’s important to turn the drumettes halfway through the cooking time. This ensures an even coating of glaze and helps avoid any sticking to the pan—a common issue if they bake too long on one side.

Keep an eye on the chicken as it nears the end of the cooking time; look for a sticky consistency and a slight charring on the edges, signaling they are done. If you're unsure if they’re cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

For the chicken

2 lbs chicken drumettes
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 cup sesame seeds
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Instructions

Marinate the drumettes

In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken drumettes, making sure they are well-coated. Cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bake the chicken

Arrange the marinated drumettes on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is sticky and cooked through.

Toast the sesame seeds

While the chicken is baking, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Serve

Once the chicken is done, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve warm and enjoy the sticky goodness!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

While these Sticky Sesame Chicken Drumettes are often devoured right away, they’re great for leftovers too! Store any uneaten drumettes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the glaze fresh, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring they regain their sticky integrity. Alternatively, a quick reheat in the microwave will work, just be cautious not to overcook them, or they might dry out.

If you want to make these ahead of time, you can prepare the marinated chicken up to two days in advance. Simply keep the drumettes in the marinade in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to develop further and offers a convenient meal option when you’re pressed for time.

Variations and Serving Ideas

If you're looking to switch up the flavors, consider adding a teaspoon of chili paste or sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick. Alternatively, fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be added right before serving for an extra layer of freshness. For a twist, swap out the honey for maple syrup for a unique flavor profile that still maintains the stickiness we love.

These drumettes are versatile when it comes to serving. They can be enjoyed as a main dish alongside steamed rice or noodles, or served as finger food at parties. Pair the sticky drumettes with a crisp salad or some crunchy pickles to balance the sweetness of the glaze. You can also set up a dipping sauce station with options such as spicy mayo or a tangy soy-vinegar dip to complement the chicken.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken wings instead of drumettes?

Absolutely! Chicken wings work perfectly with this recipe and will yield the same delicious results.

→ Can I make these drumettes in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the drumettes a day ahead and bake them just before serving for the best flavor.

→ What side dishes pair well with these drumettes?

These drumettes are great served with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a fresh salad!

→ Can I grill these drumettes instead of baking?

Definitely! Grilling adds a lovely smoky flavor. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.