Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

If you’re after a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly dinner that’s bursting with flavour, look no further than this Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks recipe. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a simple method, this dish brings the signature taste of Lone Star at home to your own kitchen. Juicy baked chicken drumsticks glazed in a sticky honey soy marinade—this is a chicken recipe you’ll turn to time and time again.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make this delicious chicken drumsticks recipe, what ingredients you’ll need, and share a few handy cooking tips to get the best results every time. Whether you're cooking for whānau or mates, this easy Lone Star recipe guarantees smiles all round.

SCROLL DOWN FOR INGREDIENTS AND METHOD.

Why Drumsticks Are a Kiwi Favourite

Chicken drumsticks are a staple in many New Zealand homes for good reason—they're affordable, packed with flavour, and super versatile. Their bone-in structure helps lock in moisture, making them ideal for baking, roasting, or grilling. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.

This honey soy chicken drumsticks recipe is especially great because it requires no fancy kitchen equipment and uses common pantry staples. The sweet and savoury glaze pairs beautifully with the richness of the chicken, making it one of the best ways to elevate a basic pack of drumsticks into something sensational.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks (serves 4):

• 12 chicken drumsticks

• ½ cup light soy sauce

• ⅓ cup honey

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 3 corn cobs, husks removed and blanched

• 1 bunch of vine-ripened cherry tomatoes

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Lone Star Sriracha Mayo

These simple ingredients create an irresistible glaze that caramelises beautifully in the oven. The addition of sweetcorn and cherry tomatoes makes for an easy, balanced meal that’s packed with colour and freshness.

Method: How to Cook Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan-forced). Line a large roasting dish or baking tray with baking paper or foil. This helps with even cooking and makes cleaning up a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This combination forms a rich, sticky marinade that infuses the chicken drumsticks with deep umami flavour and a hint of citrusy zing.

Pro tip: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the drumsticks to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. If you have time, let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—or up to overnight for maximum flavour.

Place the marinated chicken in the prepared baking dish, making sure to pour over all the leftover marinade. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Bake the Drumsticks

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through so they cook evenly and develop a gorgeous golden-brown glaze. The chicken is done when the skin is caramelised and sticky, and the internal temperature reaches 74°C.

Step 5: Cook the Sides

While the drumsticks are baking, prepare your sides.

• Blanch the corn cobs in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then brush them with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

• Roast the cherry tomatoes in a separate dish with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt for about 15 minutes, or until just bursting.

These simple sides add texture, sweetness, and colour to your plate—no need for complicated extras.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your baked chicken drumsticks are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.

Plate the honey soy chicken drumsticks with roasted cherry tomatoes and blanched corn. Add a generous dollop of Lone Star Sriracha Mayo on the side if you’re after an extra kick.

Optional: Garnish with sliced spring onions or sesame seeds for a restaurant-style touch.