Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
Heat Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear Chicken: Add the chicken drumsticks to the skillet. Sear them on all sides until they are golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sriracha sauce (if using). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce and stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce
Return Chicken: Return the seared chicken drumsticks to the skillet, turning them to coat with the sauce.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Turn the drumsticks occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the drumsticks with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Serve: Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Drumsticks hot, with your choice of side dishes such as steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Cooking Notes
Marinating Option: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken drumsticks in the soy sauce, honey, and garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to control the heat level. Omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Baking Option: If you prefer baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the seared drumsticks in the oven for 20-25 minutes, basting with the sauce halfway through.
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