Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Beer

This Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Beer is a mouthwatering and flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of soy sauce, the sweetness of honey, and the depth of non-alcoholic beer. These tender drumsticks are slowly simmered in a flavorful sauce, creating a sticky, savory glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or even a special gathering, as the aroma fills the kitchen with enticing smells that will make everyone eager to sit at the table. Let’s explore how to make this simple yet delicious dish!

Full Recipe:

 

Ingredients:

  • 5-6 chicken drumsticks
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 250 ml (1 cup) non-alcoholic beer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Season the Chicken Drumsticks

  1. Season the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides. This helps enhance the flavor of the chicken and ensures a golden-brown crust when frying.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken Drumsticks

  1. Heat the Butter and Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Fry the Drumsticks: Once the butter and oil are hot and sizzling, carefully place the chicken drumsticks into the skillet. Fry them for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Be sure to rotate them so that all sides are evenly browned. Once browned, remove the drumsticks from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Onion and Garlic

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. The garlic should also become fragrant but be careful not to let it burn.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

  1. Add the Sauces and Spices: To the onion and garlic, add 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cocoa powder. Stir everything together to combine. The cocoa powder adds a subtle depth of flavor, enhancing the richness of the sauce without making it taste like chocolate.
  2. Pour in the Beer: Slowly pour 250 ml of non-alcoholic beer into the skillet. Stir the sauce to incorporate all the ingredients. The beer will give the sauce a rich and malty taste, which pairs beautifully with the soy sauce and honey.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken

  1. Simmer the Chicken: Place the browned chicken drumsticks back into the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated in the sauce.
  2. Cover and Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the chicken simmer for about 30 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process. This slow simmer will allow the sauce to thicken and glaze the chicken as it cooks, making it juicy and flavorful.

Step 6: Serve the Chicken Drumsticks

  1. Check the Sauce: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and check the consistency of the sauce. It should have reduced and thickened to a glaze-like consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for an additional few minutes until it thickens.
  2. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is nicely thickened, remove the drumsticks from the skillet and serve them hot. Spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top of each drumstick for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips:

  • Non-alcoholic beer: If you don’t have non-alcoholic beer, you can substitute it with regular beer or even chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
  • Turning the drumsticks: To ensure the chicken is evenly cooked, turn the drumsticks halfway through the cooking process. This helps the sauce coat the chicken evenly, giving it a rich flavor.
  • Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more honey to balance the salty and savory flavors from the soy sauce.
  • Spice level: The paprika and curry add warmth, but if you like more heat, you can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):

  • Calories: 350-400 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.)

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different cut of chicken?
    • Yes, you can use chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken breasts may cook faster than drumsticks.
  2. What can I substitute for non-alcoholic beer?
    • You can substitute non-alcoholic beer with chicken broth, apple juice, or regular beer if you prefer. Each option will give a slightly different flavor but will work well in this recipe.
  3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    • Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
  4. What sides go well with these chicken drumsticks?
    • These drumsticks pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  5. Can I freeze the leftovers?
    • Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken drumsticks along with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Conclusion:

The Honey Soy Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Beer is a dish that combines simple ingredients to create something spectacular. The drumsticks are tender, juicy, and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s sweet, savory, and a little smoky. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of soy sauce, honey, and the depth of flavor from the beer makes this dish irresistible. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy a comforting and delicious meal!