Last spring, we were navigating some food issues and intolerances and in need of simple family meals free of gluten, dairy, soy and a whole host of other ingredients. It was a challenge to say the least, but there were a few good new recipes that came out of it. Tamari-honey chicken drumsticks were one of happiest outcomes, and they are a new family favorite.
A super simple recipe to put together, the outcome is best when prepped the night before. Mix together the marinade, throw in your drumsticks and let them soak up the sweet, salty and tangy marinade. Even if you marinate the chicken in the morning before school or work, the final outcome will be a winner.
We serve our honey-tamari drumsticks with steamed sushi rice and broccoli, but the drumsticks can pair with almost any veggie side. They’re a hit with adults, teens and toddlers and are even more delicious as leftovers the next day. I made these recently in a private cooking class for my sister and a group of her friends. The photos are courtesy of Kim Pawell from Something New for Dinner — an old friend of my sister’s and mine, and my food photography tutor!
While these tamari-honey drumsticks have a hint of Asian flavor, the final outcome isn’t overtly “tamari” flavored. With back to school around the corner, these drumsticks are sure to be on our meal plan once again. They are fast, kid-approved, mom-approved and just all-around delicious.
Tamari-Honey Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup tamari coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar
- Juice of 1 lime plus additional for serving
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 drumsticks
- Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the honey, tamari, rice vinegar, lime juice and bay leaves.
- Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Add the drumsticks to the marinade, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours and up to overnight.
- Heat a grill to medium-high heat and barbecue the drum sticks for 8-10 minutes per side. Discard any leftover marinade.
- Chicken should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees. If the drum sticks are getting charred or too dark, but aren't cooked to 165 degrees, put them on a sheet pan or roasting pan (in a single layer) in a 350 degree oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165.
- Serve sprinkled with chopped green onions or chopped chives and lime wedges.
Gonna attempt these bad boys! Look simple enough and hoping I don’t screw them up! xoxox
Katie — you will do great!! Let me know if you have any questions. 😘
I just started the marinating, and now we can’t cook til tomorrow night. Is 36 hours too long for marinating?
No worries! It will be fine… throw away the marinade when you take the chicken out. And make sure they’re not dripping in marinade when you put them on the grill or it will flare up… 😘