Curtis Stone Sticky Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

You know a chicken recipe is good when you’re licking your fingers after every bite!

Curtis Stone’s drumsticks get coated in a thick, glossy sauce that bakes into a sticky, caramelized layer of goodness.

I like how the sauce clings to the chicken without sliding off, giving each piece the right balance of sweet and savory.

A mix of honey and soy sauce creates the perfect base, but a splash of vinegar is what really makes it pop.

Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper keeps cleanup easy and helps prevent any sauce from burning onto the pan.

Serving these with a side of steamed rice is a no-brainer, soaking up every last bit of that rich, sticky coating.

How to Make Curtis Stone’s Sticky Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Chicken Drumsticks
• 1 cup Barbecue Sauce
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Ginger (grated)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Sesame Seeds
• 1 tbsp Oil
• 1 tsp Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Mix the barbecue sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic in a resealable storage bag to create the marinade.

Place the drumsticks in the bag, seal it tightly, and toss until thoroughly coated.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for optimal flavor.

Step 2:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with heavy-duty foil.

This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Step 3:

Transfer the marinated drumsticks to the prepared baking sheet.

Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.

Step 4:

Switch to broil mode and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to achieve a crisp glaze.

Watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 5:

Remove from the oven and generously sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Serve warm for the best taste.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfect Marination

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge; you’ll notice a difference in taste and tenderness with the extended wait.

Controlled Broiling

When broiling, watch your drumsticks closely since they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

I like to stay near the oven during this step to catch them at the right moment.

Experiment with Marinade

Feel free to add ingredients like rice vinegar or hoisin sauce to the marinade.

This variation can add a unique and delicious depth of flavor.

Sesame Seed Technique

To enhance the nuttiness of the sesame seeds, toast them lightly before sprinkling them over the chicken.

It really makes a difference!

Side Dishes Matter

These drumsticks pair wonderfully with steamed rice and bok choy.

I’ve found them to be the perfect sides that complement the sticky glaze beautifully.

What to Serve with Curtis Stone Sticky Chicken Drumsticks

Steamed Rice

Steamed rice makes a perfect match for sticky chicken drumsticks.

Whether you go for jasmine or basmati, the delicate flavor of rice pairs well and balances the richness of the chicken.

Rice is simple to prepare, making it a go-to choice for busy weeknight dinners!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli

These two combine to add a healthy touch and their nutty, slightly sweet flavors offer a great contrast to the savory sticky chicken.

Try tossing them with olive oil and some salt before roasting to enhance their natural taste.

Potato Wedges

Air-fried potato wedges can offer a fun and tasty side when you’re serving sticky chicken drumsticks.

Their crispy texture works wonders alongside the tender chicken.

A sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder can help their flavor without making things too complicated or time-consuming.

Cucumber Lemon Orzo Salad

If you’re in the mood for something refreshing and tangy, a cucumber lemon orzo salad might be the ticket!

It delivers cool, citrusy notes that counterbalance the rich, sticky sauce beautifully.

Plus, the mix of textures from the orzo and cucumber keeps things interesting.

French Potato Salad

For a lighter option, consider serving a French potato salad with your sticky chicken drumsticks.

The vinegar and mustard dressing provides a sharpness that contrasts nicely with the sweet and savory chicken.

It’s an easy dish that doesn’t require mayo, yet still delivers on flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

Customizing the Sauce

You can easily modify the sticky sauce for these drumsticks to suit your taste.

Feel free to add a dash of hot sauce for some extra heat if you like things spicy.

If you want a hint of citrus, throw in some fresh lime juice!

Protein Choices

If drumsticks aren’t your thing, you can swap them out for chicken thighs or wings.

They’ll still soak up all that tasty marinade and cook beautifully.

Boneless chicken is also an excellent and quick-cooking option!

Alternative Sweeteners

For a different sweet twist, maple syrup works well instead of honey.

Agave nectar can also provide a nice balance, especially if you prefer a vegan alternative.

These options slightly change the taste but offer a delicious result.

Garnishes and Additions

Consider scattering chopped green onions over the dish for added color and flavor.

A sprinkle of sesame seeds can provide a perfect finishing touch.

Another fun option is to toss in a few roasted peanuts for some crunch!

How to Store Leftover Sticky Chicken Drumsticks

Refrigeration Basics

When you find yourself with leftover sticky chicken drumsticks, storing them properly ensures freshness.

Keep them in an airtight container to prevent drying out and absorbing flavors from other foods.

Make sure they are refrigerated within two hours of cooking.

Freezing Tips

Freezing is a great option if you can’t consume them within a few days.

Wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap first, then place them in a freezer bag to maintain flavor.

Label the bag with the date to track storage time.

Shelf Life Awareness

In the refrigerator, these drumsticks should be consumed within three to four days for optimal taste and safety.

If frozen, try to eat them within two months to avoid a decline in quality.

Monitoring storage time helps retain the deliciousness of your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Marination

It’s tempting to skip marinating the chicken and jump right into cooking!

However, letting the chicken soak up the flavorful marinade for at least an hour, or overnight if possible, boosts the taste greatly.

So don’t rush this step.

Ignoring the Broil

One mistake is not using the broil setting for a few minutes.

This step is crucial for achieving that sticky, caramelized outside.

Make sure to broil just until the glaze forms, keeping an eye to avoid burning.

Forgetting the Bok Choy

It’s easy to focus on the chicken and forget the bok choy in this recipe.

Roasting the bok choy with a bit of oil and salt enhances the dish’s overall flavor.

Remember to turn it occasionally for even cooking.