Honey Garlic Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar (if using), black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each drumstick is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours for better flavor.
4. Bake the Chicken: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top (if you have one; this helps the heat circulate around the chicken). Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the rack or directly on the baking sheet. Reserve the marinade for basting.
5. Bake: Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Optionally, you can baste the chicken with the reserved marinade about halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
6. Broil (Optional): For extra crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious honey garlic baked chicken drumsticks!

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasoning to your taste preferences.