Master the Grill: Easy Sweet & Sticky Asian BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Discover your new go-to grilling sensation with this fabulous Asian-inspired BBQ recipe for Sweet & Sticky Grilled Chicken! This dish promises to be a warm-weather favorite, delivering a burst of complex flavors that are surprisingly simple to achieve. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, these succulent chicken legs, generously coated in a delectable sweet and sticky sauce, will have everyone eagerly heading to the dinner table. Serve them alongside a vibrant medley of veggies and fluffy rice for a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
There’s an undeniable magic that happens when chicken meets the grill, and for me, grilled chicken consistently tops the list of outdoor cooking favorites. The smoky char, combined with juicy tenderness, creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible!
This recipe elevates ordinary grilled chicken drumsticks into an extraordinary culinary experience. Each piece is generously slathered with a mouth-watering sweet and sticky sauce, then left to marinate overnight to infuse every fiber with flavor. This unique Asian-inspired sauce masterfully blends the best elements of classic barbecue with the tangy sweetness of sweet and sour, featuring key ingredients like rich brown sugar, tangy balsamic vinegar, golden honey, and savory soy sauce. It’s a harmonious combination that guarantees a sticky, caramelized exterior and incredibly moist chicken within.
Looking for some delicious side dishes to perfectly complement these sweet and sticky grilled drumsticks? Why not try my Meat Lovers Baked Beans for a hearty classic, or perhaps my refreshing Pickled Okra Relish for a zesty contrast! These sides are fantastic additions to any BBQ spread.
WHAT IS SWEET & STICKY GRILLED CHICKEN?
Sweet & Sticky Grilled Chicken is a delightful culinary creation, often characterized by its irresistible glaze and tender interior. This Asian-inspired BBQ chicken recipe is the ideal choice when you’re looking to ignite your grill and elevate your typical cookout menu beyond the ordinary. It perfectly marries the robust flavors of classic barbecue with the aromatic subtleties of Asian cuisine, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exotic.
The magic of this dish lies in its exquisite homemade marinade, crafted from a blend of simple yet potent ingredients. Brown sugar contributes a deep caramel note, honey provides natural sweetness and a beautiful sheen, soy sauce adds essential umami and saltiness, and fresh ginger delivers a warm, zesty kick. Together, these components transform ordinary chicken into a moist, flavorful, and wonderfully sticky masterpiece. This unique flavor profile ensures that every bite is bursting with juicy, savory, and sweet goodness, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
You’ll be amazed at how incredibly easy this sticky honey chicken recipe truly is to prepare. The process is straightforward: simply toss your chosen chicken pieces – whether drumsticks, thighs, breasts, or wings – in the homemade marinade. Allow them to marinate overnight to ensure maximum flavor absorption. Once marinated, the chicken pieces are ready for the grill, requiring about thirty minutes of cooking time until perfectly done. This hands-on prep minimizes active cooking time, allowing you to enjoy your gathering.
Ensuring your chicken is properly cooked is crucial for both taste and safety. To check for doneness, carefully poke the thickest part of the meat with a fork or make a small incision near the bone. Properly cooked chicken will release clear juices, indicating it’s safe to eat. If you observe any red or pinkish juices, your chicken will need a bit more time on the grill. For absolute certainty and peace of mind, using a reliable meat thermometer is always recommended. This brings us to a top tip for any grilling enthusiast:
Don’t second guess if your chicken is done or not. This Thermapen One is the best meat thermometer I have ever owned! It provides instant, accurate readings, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Beyond its incredible flavor, this recipe offers fantastic convenience. Once cooked, the sweet and sticky grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container, then frozen and enjoyed at a later date. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or having a delicious, homemade dinner ready on busy weeknights. Just be sure to label your container clearly with the dish name and the date you froze it, then simply place it in the freezer. When you’re ready for another meal, thaw and reheat gently for a taste of summer any time of year.
Craving more Asian-inspired dishes to make at home? Don’t miss my Sticky Asian Meatballs, a perfect appetizer or main, or try my refreshing Chinese Chicken Salad recipe for a lighter meal!
INGREDIENTS FOR SWEET AND STICKY CHICKEN
This mouth-watering recipe relies on a handful of simple, readily available ingredients that you might already have tucked away in your refrigerator or pantry! For the precise measurements, please scroll down to the comprehensive recipe card below.
- Chicken Legs: While drumsticks are fantastic for this recipe, feel free to substitute or combine them with other chicken pieces such as juicy chicken thighs, lean chicken breasts, or flavorful wings. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different cuts.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This rich, dark vinegar adds a delightful sweetness and a profound depth of flavor, enhancing the overall complexity of the marinade and creating a beautiful glaze.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that not only enriches the flavor profile but also contributes to the desirable sticky texture and beautiful caramelization on the grill. It’s a fantastic, wholesome substitute for refined sugars.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for developing that classic smoky, sweet, and sticky flavor in the marinade, brown sugar also helps achieve a gorgeous browned crust on the chicken.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: The cornerstone of many Asian-inspired dishes, low sodium soy sauce provides that quintessential savory, umami taste and helps tenderize the chicken without over-salting.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers a bold, aromatic, and slightly spicy punch, an indispensable herb that perfectly balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Ground Ginger: Offering a unique peppery, citrusy, and slightly sweet warmth, ground ginger is crucial for that authentic Asian flavor profile that makes this dish so enticing.
- Black Pepper: A simple yet effective ingredient that enhances the overall heat and brightens the flavors, providing a subtle contrast to the sweet elements.
- Green Onions & a Sprinkle of Sesame Seeds: These are for garnishing. Freshly chopped green onions add a vibrant, mild oniony bite and a pop of color, while toasted sesame seeds offer a delicate nutty crunch, elevating the presentation and flavor of the finished dish.
Chef’s Tip: Want to introduce a little extra heat and a spicy kick to this already flavorful dish? Consider tossing in a little finely grated fresh ginger for a stronger aromatic spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, a spoonful of chili paste for a deeper, more robust heat, or a dash of Sriracha sauce directly into the marinade for a fiery zing! Adjust to your preferred level of spice.
HOW TO MAKE THIS BBQ STICKY HONEY CHICKEN RECIPE
My recipe for sweet & sticky grilled chicken drumsticks is not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly easy to prepare! This makes it the perfect meal solution, whether you’re navigating a busy weeknight schedule or enjoying a relaxed weekend. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
PREP THE MARINADE
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved. This will create a smooth, consistent marinade that is bursting with flavor.
POUR & COAT
Carefully pour the freshly prepared marinade into a large, heavy-duty freezer-safe ziploc bag. Add the chicken legs (or your preferred chicken pieces) into the bag with the marinade. Ensure all chicken pieces are submerged.
SEAL & SHAKE
Seal the ziploc bag tightly, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Gently shake and massage the bag to ensure that all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated with the sweet and sticky marinade. This step is crucial for even flavor distribution.
CHILL & MARINATE
Place the sealed bag containing the chicken and marinade in the refrigerator. Allow it to marinate for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. For best results and maximum flavor penetration, turn the bag over several times during the marinating period to redistribute the sauce.
PREPARE THE GLAZE
Before grilling, remove the chicken from the bag and set it aside. Pour the remaining marinade from the zipper bag into a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the marinade to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to a syrupy consistency, which typically takes about 15 minutes. This step creates a safe, delicious basting sauce and glaze, eliminating any raw chicken contact.
GRILL TO PERFECTION
Preheat your grill to a medium-high temperature, aiming for about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on the hot grill. Cook for a total of approximately thirty minutes, turning them every five minutes to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks on all sides. As the chicken cooks, generously baste it with the thickened marinade glaze. This basting process builds layers of flavor and creates that signature sweet and sticky crust. Continue grilling until the chicken skin is beautifully browned and crispy. Most importantly, ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe 170 degrees Fahrenheit (77 degrees Celsius) as measured with a meat thermometer. This guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe-to-eat chicken every time.
LOVE THIS RECIPE? PIN IT!
Don’t let these incredibly juicy and flavorful drumsticks become a distant memory! Make sure you remember where you found this fantastic recipe. Pin it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest before you go, so you can easily find it for your next BBQ!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS JUICY CHICKEN RECIPE
This versatile Sweet & Sticky Grilled Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a simple yet satisfying meal, serve it with a generous portion of plain white rice, fragrant basmati rice, or wholesome brown rice. A side of fresh, crisp green beans or your favorite steamed vegetables would also be an excellent choice to balance the richness of the chicken. If you’re looking to get a little more adventurous and fancy with your rice, consider these delicious options to complement the Asian flavors:
- Cauliflower Rice: A lighter, low-carb alternative that’s just as flavorful.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Adds a bright, zesty kick that perfectly cuts through the richness.
- Basil Garlic Fried Rice: Aromatic and savory, it makes for a hearty and satisfying companion.
- Coconut Rice: Creamy and subtly sweet, this rice provides a beautiful tropical contrast.
- Rice Pilaf: A more elegant option, offering texture and a blend of complementary flavors.
OTHER GRILLING RECIPES TO ENJOY
If you’re a fan of outdoor cooking and love the flavors that only a grill can provide, then you’re in for a treat! Grilling is more than just a cooking method; it’s a way to bring people together and create unforgettable meals. Once you’ve mastered these sweet and sticky chicken drumsticks, expand your grilling repertoire with some of these other fantastic recipes:
- Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken (+ Video) (pictured above): An absolute flavor bomb, combining savory bacon with a sweet and spicy kick.
- Smoked Turkey Recipe: Perfect for holidays or special gatherings, delivering a rich, smoky flavor.
- Glazed Smoked Ham: A classic dish with a beautiful sweet glaze, ideal for any celebration.
- Juicy Lucy Burger (Jucy Lucy): A Minneapolis classic with a molten cheese center, incredibly satisfying.
- Grilled Polish Sausage & Sauerkraut: A comforting and flavorful combination, great for a casual cookout.
- Homemade BBQ Sauce: Elevate any grilled dish with a truly authentic and customizable sauce.
- Grilled Bratwurst & Kraut Meatball Kabobs: A fun and unique way to enjoy classic flavors on a skewer.
- Instant Pot Dr. Pepper BBQ Pork Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with a unique Dr. Pepper glaze, perfected with minimal effort.
- Red, White & Bleu Burger: A gourmet burger experience with bold flavors and a patriotic twist.
You can never have too many amazing chicken recipes, and this easy sweet & sticky grilled chicken recipe is definitely a keeper for your culinary collection. It’s time to get cooking and enjoy the incredible flavors!
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Print Recipe
Sweet & Sticky Grilled Chicken
Equipment
-
Thermapen Mk4 Instant-read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 6 chicken legs about 1 ½ lbs (Feel free to use whatever parts of the chicken your family enjoys, adjust cooking time)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoon minced garlic approximately 3 cloves, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper to create the marinade.
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Pour the prepared marinade into a large, heavy-duty zipper bag along with the chicken legs, ensuring all pieces are well-covered.
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Seal the bag tightly, removing excess air, then gently shake and massage to evenly coat all the chicken pieces with the marinade.
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Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, turning the bag periodically to ensure consistent flavor absorption.
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Once marinated, remove the chicken from the bag and set aside on a plate.
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Pour the remaining marinade from the zipper bag into a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat. Bring the marinade to a full boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce visibly thickens, which should take about 15 minutes. This creates a safe, delicious basting sauce.
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Preheat your grill to approximately 350 degrees F (medium-high heat). Grill the chicken drumsticks for about thirty minutes total, turning every five minutes. Baste the chicken frequently with the thickened marinade during the last 15-20 minutes of grilling until the skin is beautifully browned with prominent grill marks. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170 degrees F (77 degrees C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
Nutrition
This delicious recipe was originally posted on July 25, 2014, and has been thoughtfully updated to enhance user experience and provide even more helpful tips and details. It was re-shared on July 6, 2022.