Chinese Baked Chicken Drumstick Recipes: A Delicious Twist on Classic Roast Chicken

With a variety of recipes available, you can choose the perfect one to suit your taste preferences and cooking skills. Preparing the chicken is also important for achieving the perfect texture and flavour. Whether you prefer a sweet and sticky glaze or a crispy, savoury crust, there's a recipe out there for you.

When it comes to Chinese baked chicken drumsticks, choosing the right ingredients is key. The marinade or glaze will make all the difference in the flavour of your dish, so it's important to use high-quality ingredients. Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, and ginger are common ingredients in Chinese cuisine and can be used to create a delicious glaze for your chicken drumsticks.

You can marinate the chicken overnight to infuse it with flavour or simply season it with salt and pepper before baking. Baking techniques such as using a cooling rack to elevate the chicken and baking at a high temperature can help create a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing the right ingredients and preparing the chicken properly are key to making delicious Chinese baked chicken drumsticks.
• Baking techniques such as using a cooling rack and baking at a high temperature can help create a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
• Seafood can be a great addition to Chinese baked chicken drumsticks. Try adding shrimp or scallops to your marinade or glaze for a tasty twist.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese baked chicken drumsticks, selecting the right ingredients is crucial to achieving the perfect flavour and texture. Here are some key factors to consider:

Selecting Chicken Drumsticks

The first step in making Chinese baked chicken drumsticks is selecting the right chicken. You want to choose fresh chicken drumsticks that are plump and juicy. Look for chicken that is free-range and organic if possible, as this will give you the best flavour and texture.

Understanding Oils and Marinades

The right oil and marinade can make all the difference in your Chinese baked chicken drumsticks. Sesame oil is a popular choice for Chinese cuisine, as it adds a nutty flavour and aroma to the dish. Olive oil and vegetable oil can also be used, but they have a milder flavour.

When it comes to marinades, there are many options to choose from. Garlic cloves, soy sauce, and honey are popular ingredients that can be used to create a sweet and savoury marinade. Salt and pepper can be added to taste, while cayenne can be used to add a bit of heat.

Proposing the use of seafood in the recipe, prawns can be used to add a bit of variety to your Chinese baked chicken drumsticks. Simply mix them in with the marinade and bake them along with the chicken. Alternatively, you can use squid or scallops for a seafood twist on this classic dish.

Preparing the Chicken

Marinating for Flavour

Marinating the chicken is an essential step in creating a delicious Chinese baked chicken drumstick recipe. A simple marinade can be made using honey, soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, salt and pepper. You can also add sesame seeds for an extra flavour boost. Mix the marinade ingredients together in a bowl and then coat the chicken drumsticks with it. Cover the bowl with cling film and leave it in the fridge overnight to marinate. This will allow the flavours to infuse into the chicken, resulting in a more flavourful and tender dish.

If you want to add seafood to your recipe, prawns or scallops can be a great addition to the marinade. Simply mix them in with the marinade and let them sit in the fridge overnight with the chicken. The seafood will absorb the flavours of the marinade just like the chicken, adding an extra depth of flavour to the dish.

Prepping for Baking

Before baking, remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade and pat them dry with a paper towel. Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Place the chicken drumsticks on the tray in a single layer, leaving some space between them. This will ensure that each piece cooks evenly.

Bake the chicken drumsticks for 30-35 minutes or until they are cooked through and the skin is crispy. To achieve a more golden and crispy skin, you can brush the drumsticks with a little bit of oil before baking. Serve the chicken hot with your favourite sides and enjoy the delicious flavours of your homemade Chinese baked chicken drumsticks.

By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious Chinese baked chicken drumstick recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Baking Techniques

Oven Settings and Heat Management

When it comes to baking Chinese chicken drumsticks, the oven settings and heat management play a key role in achieving the desired texture and taste. Preheat your oven to around 400°F/200°C and use a baking dish or roasting tray to cook the drumsticks. You may also use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.

Achieving Crispy Skin

Crispy skin is one of the most important aspects of Chinese baked chicken drumsticks. To achieve this, you should first pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Then, rub the drumsticks with a small amount of oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add a mixture of spices and flour to create a crispy coating.

Covering the drumsticks with aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time can help to keep the chicken moist and tender. However, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes of cooking can help to achieve a crispy skin.

If you are looking to add seafood to your recipe, you can try using prawns or scallops as a side dish. Simply season them with salt and pepper and bake them in a separate baking dish alongside the chicken drumsticks. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to your meal.

Nutrition and Dietary Considerations

Caloric and Macronutrient Breakdown

When it comes to baked chicken drumsticks, the nutrition information can vary depending on the recipe and the cooking method used. However, on average, a single baked chicken drumstick contains around 160-180 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 8-10 grams of fat.

If you're looking to reduce the calorie count of your chicken drumsticks, you can opt for skinless chicken or remove the skin before cooking. This can reduce the fat content by around 3-4 grams per drumstick. You can also reduce the amount of oil used in the recipe to further lower the calorie count.

Understanding Fats and Sodium Content

It's important to pay attention to the types of fats used in your baked chicken drumstick recipe. Saturated fats should be limited as they can increase cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Instead, opt for unsaturated fats such as olive oil or avocado oil.

Sodium content is also a consideration, as excess sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. On average, a single baked chicken drumstick contains around 100-150 milligrams of sodium, but this can vary depending on the recipe and seasoning used.

To reduce the sodium content of your baked chicken drumsticks, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or other seasonings with less salt. You can also opt for fresh herbs and spices to add flavour instead of relying on salt.

If you want to add some seafood to your baked chicken drumstick recipe, you can try adding some shrimp or scallops to the marinade. These seafood options are low in fat and calories and can add some extra protein to your meal. Alternatively, you can serve your baked chicken drumsticks with a side of grilled fish for a well-rounded meal.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Complementary Side Dishes

When it comes to serving Chinese baked chicken drumsticks, there are a variety of side dishes that can complement the dish. One popular option is rice. You can serve the chicken drumsticks on a bed of steamed rice, or you can prepare fried rice with vegetables and eggs to add more flavour and texture to your meal. Another option is to serve the chicken with a simple salad made with leafy greens, carrots, and cucumbers. You can top the salad with sesame seeds and scallions for an added crunch.

Potatoes are another great side dish that pairs well with Chinese baked chicken drumsticks. You can prepare roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs or mashed potatoes with butter and cream. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken with pasta, such as noodles or spaghetti. You can toss the pasta with a simple sauce made with soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sriracha for an extra kick.

If you want to add some greens to your meal, you can serve the chicken with green beans. You can steam or sauté the green beans with garlic and ginger for added flavour.

Sauce and Seasoning Variations

To add more flavour to your Chinese baked chicken drumsticks, you can experiment with different sauces and seasonings. One popular option is to use hoisin sauce, which is a sweet and savoury sauce made with soybeans, garlic, and spices. You can brush the chicken drumsticks with hoisin sauce before baking them in the oven.

Another option is to use sriracha sauce, which is a spicy sauce made with chilli peppers, garlic, and vinegar. You can mix sriracha sauce with honey and soy sauce to create a sweet and spicy glaze for your chicken drumsticks.

Finally, you can season your chicken drumsticks with kosher salt, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder, which is a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns. This seasoning adds a complex flavour to your chicken drumsticks that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

If you want to add some seafood to your recipe, you can use shrimp or scallops. You can marinate the seafood in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before baking them with the chicken drumsticks. Alternatively, you can stir-fry the seafood with vegetables and serve them as a side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the secret to getting crispy skin on baked chicken drumsticks?

The secret to getting crispy skin on baked chicken drumsticks is to make sure that the skin is dry before baking. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This will help to remove excess moisture from the skin, which is what causes it to become soggy when baked. You can also brush the drumsticks with a little bit of oil before baking to help them crisp up.

Can you suggest a good marinade for Asian-style chicken drumsticks?

For Asian-style chicken drumsticks, a good marinade is a mixture of soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. You can also add some chopped scallions and sesame oil for extra flavour. Marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

How can you tell if chicken drumsticks are cooked through without a thermometer?

To tell if chicken drumsticks are cooked through without a thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the meat with a sharp knife. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, the drumsticks are cooked through. Alternatively, you can wiggle the drumstick - if the bone feels loose and the meat is tender, it's probably cooked.

What's a simple way to keep chicken drumsticks moist while baking?

To keep chicken drumsticks moist while baking, you can brush them with a little bit of oil or melted butter before baking. You can also cover them with foil for the first half of the baking time to help trap in moisture. Another option is to add a small amount of liquid to the baking dish, such as chicken broth or white wine.

Is it better to bake chicken drumsticks covered or uncovered?

It depends on the recipe, but generally it's better to bake chicken drumsticks uncovered for the last part of the cooking time to allow the skin to crisp up. However, if you're worried about the meat drying out, you can cover the drumsticks with foil for the first half of the baking time.

What are some tasty sauce options for oven-baked chicken drumsticks?

Some tasty sauce options for oven-baked chicken drumsticks include sweet chilli sauce, hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or a simple honey mustard sauce. You can also try making a dipping sauce with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. If you want to add seafood to your recipe, you can try adding some prawns or scallops to your sauce for an extra flavour boost.