Spiced Apple Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
This Spiced Apple Glazed Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spice with a luscious apple glaze and tender, juicy chicken.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet or Roasting Pan
- Mixing bowls
- Brush or Spoon
- Meat Thermometer
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Seasoning:
- 8 pieces Chicken Drumsticks patted dry
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
For the Spiced Apple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup Apple Juice
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes or to taste
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation and Seasoning
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cinnamon. Toss drumsticks until evenly coated.
Arrange for Roasting
- Place a wire rack on a baking sheet if available. Arrange drumsticks on rack or directly on baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Prepare Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes to make the glaze.
Bake and Glaze
- Bake drumsticks for 25 minutes in preheated oven.
- Remove from oven and brush glaze generously over drumsticks. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, basting once more halfway through.
Final Touch and Serve
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a wire rack to ensure crispy skin by allowing air circulation around the drumsticks.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Substitute chicken thighs or wings for drumsticks; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Adjust sweetness or tang by varying honey and apple cider vinegar amounts to suit your taste.
- For more intense flavor, add fresh minced garlic and onion to the glaze instead of powders.