Chinese Sticky Chicken Drumsticks Recipe: A Sweet and Savoury Delight

If you're looking for a dish that is both delicious and easy to make, then you should try making Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks. This recipe is perfect for those who want to impress their guests with a tasty and flavourful meal, without spending too much time in the kitchen. With the right ingredients and cooking method, you can create a dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Essential ingredients for this recipe include chicken drumsticks, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese plum sauce. You can also add some seafood to the mix, such as prawns or scallops, to give the dish an extra burst of flavour. Marinating the chicken is an essential step in this recipe, as it allows the flavours to penetrate the meat and makes it more tender. Once the chicken is marinated, it can be baked in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy.

This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner party or a family meal. You can serve it with some steamed rice or noodles, and some stir-fried vegetables on the side. It's also a great dish for meal prep, as you can make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later. So why not give this recipe a try and impress your guests with your culinary skills?

Key Takeaways

• Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks are an easy and delicious dish that is perfect for casual entertaining.
• Essential ingredients include chicken drumsticks, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and Chinese plum sauce.
• Marinating the chicken is an essential step, and you can add seafood to the mix for extra flavour.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks, there are a few essential ingredients that you need to have on hand. From selecting the right drumsticks to the perfect marinade components, and garnish and extras, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Selecting Drumsticks

Choosing the right chicken drumsticks is key to making a delicious sticky chicken recipe. Look for drumsticks that are plump, meaty, and have a good amount of skin on them. The skin is important because it will help hold the marinade and sauce, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful.

Marinade Components

The marinade is what gives the chicken its signature sticky glaze. A classic Chinese marinade typically includes soy sauce, sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and vinegar. For an extra kick of flavor, you can add hoisin sauce to the mix. Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully. If you want to skip the marinating time, you can use a pre-made sauce or marinade.

Garnish and Extras

Garnish and extras can take your sticky chicken drumsticks to the next level. Toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions are classic garnishes that add a pop of color and flavor. For a seafood twist, you can add some prawns or scallops to the marinade and cook them alongside the chicken. The seafood will absorb the flavors of the marinade and will complement the chicken perfectly.

In summary, selecting the right drumsticks, choosing the perfect marinade components, and adding garnish and extras are all crucial steps in making the perfect Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks. With these essential ingredients, you'll be able to create a dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Marinating the Chicken

Before cooking your Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks, you need to marinate them to infuse the meat with the flavours of the marinade. Here are some preparation techniques to help you achieve the best results:

Preparation Techniques

• Clean the chicken drumsticks by removing any excess fat, skin or bones.
• Use a sharp knife to score the chicken flesh to help the marinade penetrate the meat.
• Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag for easy mixing and marinating.

Marination Time

To achieve the best flavour, marinate the chicken drumsticks for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the fridge. This will allow the marinade ingredients to fully penetrate the chicken meat. Here are some marinade ingredients you can use:

• Soy sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Plum sauce
• Honey
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Sesame oil
• Rice vinegar

You can also add seafood to the marinade to enhance the flavour and texture of the chicken. For example, you can add shrimp or scallops to the marinade to give your chicken drumsticks an extra seafood flavour. However, make sure to use fresh seafood and cook it properly before adding it to the marinade.

Overall, marinating your chicken drumsticks is an essential step in making delicious Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks. Take your time to prepare the chicken and let it marinate for at least an hour before cooking to achieve the best results.

Cooking Method

Oven Baking

To make Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks, the most common cooking method is oven baking. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleaning up easier. Place the chicken drumsticks on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

While the chicken is baking, you can make the sticky sauce. Once the chicken is cooked, brush the sauce all over the drumsticks and return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelise and become sticky.

Achieving Crispy Skin

If you want to achieve crispy skin on your chicken drumsticks, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before baking. This will help remove any excess moisture, which can prevent the skin from crisping up.

Another tip is to brush the chicken with a light coating of oil before baking. This will help the skin crisp up and turn golden brown. You can also try baking the chicken at a higher temperature for the last few minutes of cooking to help crisp up the skin.

If you want to add seafood to your recipe, you can try adding some shrimp or prawns to the sticky sauce. Simply cook the shrimp or prawns separately and add them to the sauce at the end. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to your chicken drumsticks.

Remember, the key to making delicious Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks is to bake them until they are cooked through and the sauce is sticky and caramelised. With these tips, you'll be able to make perfect sticky chicken drumsticks every time.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

When serving Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks, it's important to have the right accompaniments to complement the dish. Here are some suggestions to help you create the perfect meal:

• Rice: A classic accompaniment to Chinese cuisine, rice is a great way to soak up the delicious sauce from the chicken drumsticks. You can serve plain boiled rice, or add some flavour with egg fried rice, vegetable rice or even coconut rice.

• Salad: A light and refreshing salad is a great way to balance out the rich flavours of the chicken drumsticks. You can make a simple green salad with lettuce, cucumber and tomatoes, or add some crunch with a coleslaw or a carrot and cabbage salad.

• Mashed Potato: While mashed potato may not be a traditional accompaniment to Chinese cuisine, it can be a great way to add some comfort to the meal. The creamy texture of the mashed potato pairs well with the sticky chicken drumsticks, and can be a great way to get kids to eat their dinner.

• Seafood: If you're looking to add some extra protein to your meal, seafood is a great option. Prawns, scallops or even lobster can be a great addition to the dish. You can serve them as a side dish, or mix them in with the chicken drumsticks for a surf and turf-style meal.

Presentation

Presentation is key when it comes to serving Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks. Here are some tips to help you make your meal look as good as it tastes:

• Garnish: Adding a garnish to your dish can help to elevate the presentation. You can use some chopped spring onions, coriander or sesame seeds to add some colour and texture to the dish.

• Plating: When it comes to plating, you can either serve the chicken drumsticks on a platter for a casual family-style meal, or plate them individually for a more formal presentation. You can add some rice, salad or mashed potato to the plate, and drizzle some of the sauce from the chicken drumsticks over the top.

• Tableware: Choosing the right tableware can help to enhance the presentation of the dish. You can use some traditional Chinese bowls and chopsticks for a more authentic feel, or go for something more modern and stylish. Whatever you choose, make sure it complements the dish and adds to the overall experience.

Nutritional Information

Chinese sticky chicken drumsticks are a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Here is some nutritional information about this dish:

• Calories: A single serving of sticky chicken drumsticks contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

• Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, and a serving of sticky chicken drumsticks can provide you with around 20-25 grams of protein.

• Fat: This dish can be high in fat, depending on the recipe and cooking method. Using skinless chicken and baking instead of frying can help to reduce the fat content.

• Carbohydrate: Sticky chicken drumsticks are not a low-carb meal, but the amount of carbohydrates can vary depending on the recipe and any added sugars or starches.

• Fibre: This dish is not a significant source of fibre, but you can add some extra fibre to your meal by serving it with vegetables or whole grains.

• Nutrition: Sticky chicken drumsticks can be a good source of vitamins and minerals, especially if you use fresh ingredients and add some vegetables to your meal.

If you are looking for a way to add some seafood to your meal, you can try adding some prawns or shrimp to the recipe. Simply marinate the seafood in the same sauce as the chicken, and then cook them together in the oven. This will give your meal an extra boost of protein and flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to make sticky chicken drumsticks?

The simplest way to make sticky chicken drumsticks is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, honey, and ginger for at least an hour. Then, bake the chicken in the oven at 200°C for 30-40 minutes, basting it with the remaining marinade every 10 minutes until it's cooked through and sticky.

Can I cook sticky chicken drumsticks in the oven?

Yes, you can cook sticky chicken drumsticks in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C and place the chicken on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake the chicken for 30-40 minutes, basting it with the remaining marinade every 10 minutes until it's cooked through and sticky.

What are the secrets to the best sticky chicken drumsticks?

The secrets to the best sticky chicken drumsticks are to marinate the chicken for at least an hour, baste it with the remaining marinade while cooking, and cook it until it's sticky and caramelized. You can also add a touch of Chinese five-spice powder to the marinade for extra flavour.

How can I adapt Jamie Oliver's sticky chicken recipe?

To adapt Jamie Oliver's sticky chicken recipe, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup, add some minced garlic to the marinade, and use rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. You can also try adding some seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to the marinade for a delicious twist.

What sides pair well with sticky chicken drumsticks?

Sticky chicken drumsticks pair well with a variety of sides, such as steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also try serving them with seafood, such as prawn crackers or grilled prawns, for a tasty and filling meal.

What's a good soy sauce-based marinade for chicken drumsticks?

A good soy sauce-based marinade for chicken drumsticks consists of soy sauce, honey, ginger, garlic, and a touch of Chinese five-spice powder. You can also add some seafood, such as prawns or scallops, to the marinade for extra flavour and texture.