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Get ready to transform ordinary chicken drumsticks into a flavor-packed sensation with this Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks recipe! This fuss-free dish takes simple ingredients and turns them into a culinary masterpiece. 

Juicy drumsticks coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, creating a dance of flavors that will leave your taste buds cheering. Even if you’re not a kitchen pro, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious and impressive meal. It’s easy, it’s tasty, and it’s a surefire way to bring excitement to your dinner table. 

Join us on a journey where simplicity meets extraordinary taste, and let’s make cooking a delightful experience together. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are destined to become a family favorite!

close up image of Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Should drumsticks be boiled before frying?

Boiling drumsticks before frying is not a common practice and is generally unnecessary. Frying chicken drumsticks directly without boiling can result in a crispy and flavorful exterior while retaining the natural juices within the meat. Boiling before frying may lead to loss of flavor and moisture. However, if you prefer a different cooking method, marinating or brining the drumsticks before frying can enhance their flavor and juiciness. 

Why are my chicken drumsticks tough?

Chicken drumsticks can become tough if they are overcooked. Overcooking can result in the proteins in the meat tightening and expelling moisture, leading to a dry and tough texture. It’s crucial to cook chicken drumsticks to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and avoid excessive cooking times, especially in dry heat methods like baking or grilling. 

Additionally, not marinating or seasoning the drumsticks adequately before cooking can contribute to a lack of flavor and tenderness. To ensure juicy and tender drumsticks, follow recommended cooking times, use a meat thermometer to check doneness, and consider marinating or brining for added flavor and moisture.

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks square size

Why do you soak chicken before frying?

Soaking chicken before frying helps to tenderize the meat by breaking down proteins, resulting in a more succulent and juicy texture. The acidic nature of buttermilk or other marinades can work to break down the muscle fibers in the chicken, contributing to tenderness. 

Secondly, the soaking process allows the chicken to absorb flavors from the marinade, adding depth and complexity to the taste. Lastly, the moisture retained from soaking helps create a barrier during frying, preventing the chicken from becoming dry and tough. 

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks in a white bowl

What are the ingredients to make Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?

With a prep time of 10 minutes, additional time to marinate, and Cook time of 50 to 55 minutes, here are the ingredients you’re going to need for 4 servings.

  • Chicken Drumsticks: Provide a meaty and juicy foundation.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the glaze.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Enhances the richness of the dish.
  • Coconut Aminos: Offers a slightly sweet and umami taste.
  • Organic Chicken Stock: Provides a liquid base for the glaze.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a hint of heat, balancing the sweetness and adding a subtle kick to the glaze.
  • Fresh Garlic: Infuses a robust garlic flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Ensure a well-balanced and harmonious taste.
  • Green Onions: Add freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks in process

How to make Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?

It’s time to put this recipe together now that you’ve gathered all of your ingredients.

  1. First, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel, place them in a large, sealable plastic bag, and set them aside. 
  2. In a medium glass or other non-reactive bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, coconut aminos, chicken stock, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic together. Season with salt and pepper according to your desire. 
  3. After that, pour one-half of the balsamic marinade over the chicken and seal the bag tightly. Turn the bag over until the chicken is coated. Then, place the bag in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to overnight. Reserve the remaining marinade to use later. 
  4. When ready to prepare, preheat the oven to 400° and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the drumsticks from the plastic bag and arrange on a lined baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding. Discard the remaining marinade inside the bag.
  5. Next, place the baking sheet in a preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove the chicken from the oven and turn each drumstick. After turning, brush the tops of each drumstick with the remaining marinade and return it to the oven. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is well done and the outside has caramelized. 
  6. Lastly, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Transfer the drumsticks to a serving dish and sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving. 

Now that you know all you need to know about Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks, it is time to print or save the recipe with the exact measurements.

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Yield: 4

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Balsamic Glazed Chicken Drumsticks in a white bowl

These tasty Whole30-compliant chicken drumsticks get a touch of sweetness from the coconut aminos in the marinade. 

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. chicken drumsticks
  • 1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
  • 3 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 T. coconut aminos
  • 1/2 c. organic chicken stock
  • ½ t. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 green onions, sliced

Instructions

    1. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel and place in a large, sealable plastic bag. Set aside.
    2. In a medium glass or other non-reactive bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, coconut aminos, chicken stock, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic together. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
    3. Pour one half of the balsamic marinade over chicken and seal bag tightly. Turn bag over until chicken is coated. Place bag in refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to overnight. Reserve remaining marinade to use later.
    4. When ready to prepare, preheat oven to 400° and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove drumsticks from plastic bag and arrange on lined baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding. Discard remaining marinade inside bag.
    5. Place baking sheet in preheated oven for 30 minutes, then remove chicken from oven and turn each drumstick. After turning, brush the tops of each drumstick with remaining marinade and return to oven. Bake for another 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is well done and the outside has caramelized.
    6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Transfer drumsticks to a serving dish and sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 564Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 289mgSodium: 554mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 56g

These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.

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