Name: Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon salt

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If you’re craving a dinner that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, then you’re going to love this Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe. Imagine juicy, sticky chicken drumsticks glazed in a perfect balance of sweet honey and savory soy sauce, baked to caramelized perfection, paired with fluffy, fragrant coconut rice that adds a lovely creamy texture and subtle sweetness. It’s a dinner that feels special yet comes together effortlessly, making it a beloved family favorite any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four smaller photos in a grid, each depicting different parts of a cooking process. The top left photo has three white bowls with sauces and garlic cloves on a white marbled surface: a dark soy sauce-looking liquid, a light amber sauce, and a creamy pale yellow paste. The top right photo shows raw chicken pieces marinating in a clear plastic zip-lock bag on a wooden board, with the chicken visible through the bag and coated in a brown sauce. The bottom left photo shows a white bowl filled with a light, fluffy rice dish mixed with slivered almonds and garnished with sliced green onions, placed on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of additional sliced green onions off to the side. The bottom right photo displays cooked chicken drumsticks on a bed of the same rice, with a glossy, caramelized glaze and sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onion slices, highlighting the darkened, slightly charred skin. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple ingredients come together in harmony to create a dish bursting with flavor and comforting textures. Each item plays an essential role—from the tender chicken drumsticks soaking in a lively honey soy marinade to the creamy coconut milk enriching the jasmine rice’s delicate grains.

Chicken drumsticks: The star protein, perfect for soaking up the sticky glaze and staying juicy when baked.
Soy sauce: Adds a deep umami and saltiness that balances the sweetness of honey.
Honey: Provides that luscious, sticky sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle kick to the marinade.
Fresh ginger, grated: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the flavors.
Sesame oil: Infuses a toasty nuttiness that rounds out the marinade perfectly.
Jasmine rice: Its fragrant, delicate grains pair wonderfully with the coconut milk’s richness.
Coconut milk: The creamy base for the rice, giving it a slightly sweet and silky finish.
Water: Used to cook the rice to fluffy perfection.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the rice and balancing sweetness.

How to Make Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Marinade

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F), so it’s ready to give those drumsticks a perfect roast. Meanwhile, whisk together soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl until everything is beautifully combined. This marinade is where all the magic happens—it’s what gives the chicken that irresistible sticky glaze and rich, layered flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Drumsticks

Toss the chicken drumsticks thoroughly in the marinade, making sure every bit is coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. For the absolute best results, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours if you have the time—this gives the flavors a chance to really sink in and make the drumsticks incredibly tasty.

Step 3: Bake the Drumsticks

Arrange the marinated drumsticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Pop them in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, turning once halfway through to get that even caramelized color on all sides. The chicken should be sticky, golden, and cooked through with a deliciously crisp glaze.

Step 4: Cook the Coconut Rice

While the chicken is roasting, rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this helps achieve fluffy, non-sticky rice. Then combine the rinsed rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring it to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Once cooked, let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork to release all those fragrant grains.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Serve your sticky honey soy chicken drumsticks nestled on a bed of velvety coconut rice, spooning some of the extra sauce from the pan over the top for an extra punch of flavor. This combination sings with every bite, combining sweet, savory, and creamy notes that feel like the ultimate comfort meal.

How to Serve Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe

A white plate holds two shiny brown chicken drumsticks coated in a sticky sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and topped with sliced green onions. These drumsticks rest partly on a bed of white rice with fluffy texture, and several green onion stalks lie beside the drumsticks on the plate. In the background, another white plate is visible with more drumsticks and green onion pieces on a white marbled surface. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Spring onions thinly sliced are a fantastic fresh garnish—they add a crisp bite and vibrant green color that brightens the dish visually and texturally. Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over the top lend a subtle crunch and nutty aroma that complements the sesame oil in the marinade perfectly.

Side Dishes

If you want to build this into a fuller meal, pair it with steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy, kale, or snap peas. Their crispness and slight bitterness offer a lovely contrast to the sweet and savory chicken and creamy rice. A simple cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar and a touch of sugar also adds refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family-style meal, serve the drumsticks on a large platter surrounded by coconut rice heaped in the center, garnished with herbs and sesame seeds. Or, for a casual dinner, plate each serving with chicken atop a scoop of rice, drizzled with sauce and sprinkled with colorful scallions for a feast that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and rice separate if possible to preserve the best texture, and store any extra sauce to drizzle on when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken drumsticks and coconut rice in separate containers for up to 2 months. Cool everything completely before freezing, and leave some space in the containers for expansion. This makes it convenient for quick meals later on without sacrificing flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm the chicken in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes to revive that sticky glaze, or gently reheat the rice with a splash of water in the microwave, covered, to keep it moist and fluffy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully with this recipe and tend to stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and beautifully caramelized.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can swap it out for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this meal gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Can I make the coconut rice ahead of time?

You can cook the coconut rice ahead and refrigerate it for up to two days. Reheat gently with a bit of water to restore its softness before serving with the chicken.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

Ground ginger can be used in a pinch, but use less since it’s more concentrated—about 1/4 teaspoon will do. Fresh ginger really gives the best brightness and zing, so try to use it when you can.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t spicy by default—it’s all about sweet and savory flavors. Feel free to add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the marinade if you like an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

When you want a dinner that feels effortless but full of loved-up flavors, this Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe is a total winner. It combines sticky, sweet, and savory elements with the creamy comfort of coconut rice to create a meal the whole family will cheer for. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to dinners!