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Chef Ava

Sticky Orange Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

These sticky orange glazed chicken drumsticks are coated in a sweet and savory orange marmalade glaze with honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh citrus. Baked until deeply caramelized and glossy, they're an easy family dinner that's ready in just 55 minutes and packed with bold, restaurant-quality flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 445
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Equipment

  • large baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • small saucepan
  • pastry brush
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line or lightly grease a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the drumsticks with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  4. Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through cooking.
  6. Meanwhile, combine the orange marmalade, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush each drumstick generously with the glaze.
  8. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway through, until caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon any remaining glaze over the drumsticks and garnish with parsley or orange slices if desired before serving.

Notes

Pat the drumsticks completely dry before seasoning for crispier skin. Apply the glaze only during the final 10–15 minutes of baking to prevent burning. Brush on a second layer halfway through the final bake for the best sticky caramelized finish. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.