Save Bring a burst of flavor to your weeknight routine with these Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks with Roasted Carrots. This all-in-one meal combines succulent chicken and tender carrots in a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze that everyone will love, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the double-glazing technique. By brushing the chicken twice during the roasting process, you ensure a deep, caramelized finish that keeps the meat juicy while the carrots roast to tender perfection in the oven's heat.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 8 chicken drumsticks (about 1.2 kg / 2.5 lbs), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Honey Garlic Glaze: ¼ cup honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use low-sodium if preferred), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) carrots (peeled and cut into sticks), 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Step 2
- In a bowl, toss the chicken drumsticks with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Arrange on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 3
- In another bowl, combine carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and thyme. Spread the carrots on the other side of the baking sheet.
- Step 4
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Step 5
- Brush half of the honey garlic glaze over the chicken drumsticks.
- Step 6
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Step 7
- Remove the pan from the oven. Brush the remaining glaze over the chicken. Toss the carrots for even roasting.
- Step 8
- Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the carrots are golden and tender.
- Step 9
- Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.
- Step 10
- Serve hot, garnished with extra thyme if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, ensure the chicken drumsticks are patted dry before adding the oil and seasonings to help the skin crisp up. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the poultry is safely cooked and succulent.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile; you can swap the carrots for other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes depending on what you have on hand. To make the dish gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these drumsticks alongside steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the honey garlic glaze. For a beverage pairing, a light Pinot Noir or a crisp, dry Riesling complements the sweetness of the honey and the savory notes of the garlic beautifully.
Save Whether you're cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week, these Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks are a reliable and delicious choice. Enjoy the simplicity of a one-pan dinner without sacrificing any of the deep, caramelized flavors your family craves.
Recipe FAQ
- → What temperature should the chicken be cooked to?
The chicken drumsticks should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the drumstick without touching the bone.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs work beautifully with this honey garlic glaze and cooking method. They may require slightly less time to cook, so check for doneness around 40 minutes total.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply replace the regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients, including honey, garlic, and seasonings, are naturally gluten-free.
- → Can I prepare the honey garlic glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the glaze ingredients up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick whisk before using to reincorporate any separation.
- → What other vegetables work well with this dish?
Parsnips, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or red onions all roast beautifully alongside the chicken. Just keep the vegetable pieces roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- → Why broil at the end?
The final 2-3 minutes under the broiler caramelizes the honey garlic glaze, creating sticky, slightly charred edges that add incredible depth of flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.