Name: Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 cup coconut milk; 1 cup water; Pinch of salt

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If you’re craving a meal that beautifully balances sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors, the Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, juicy chicken drumsticks glazed with a luscious honey-soy sauce that caramelizes perfectly in the oven, paired with fluffy, fragrant coconut rice that soaks up every delicious drop. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that feels both exotic and familiar—ideal for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests without fuss. This recipe effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a memorable meal that always delights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four smaller pictures arranged in a grid, each depicting a stage of cooking chicken fried rice. The top right shows raw chicken pieces in a clear plastic bag. The top left displays small white bowls with different sauces and ingredients, including soy sauce, possibly garlic, and chili sauce, all on a white marbled surface. The bottom left shows cooked chicken fried rice in a white bowl, with green peas, carrots, and bits of scrambled egg visible on top. The bottom right shows the finished dish served with crispy glazed chicken drumsticks garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, placed on the same white bowl of fried rice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this dish is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet vital. Each component plays its part—whether it’s adding depth to the chicken’s flavor, making the rice creamy and rich, or bringing brightness and texture to the finish.

8 chicken drumsticks: The star protein, wonderfully juicy and perfect for soaking up the glaze.
¼ cup soy sauce: Adds salty, umami depth to the marinade that balances the honey’s sweetness.
2 tbsp honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful sticky glaze.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken with aromatic warmth and a subtle punch.
1 tsp grated ginger: Adds a bright, slightly spicy note that wakes up the flavors.
1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the marinade blend smoothly and keeps the chicken moist.
1 cup jasmine rice: The perfect fragrant base that pairs wonderfully with coconut milk.
1 cup coconut milk: Makes the rice creamy, rich, and infused with subtle tropical sweetness.
1 cup water: Helps cook the rice to fluffy perfection alongside the coconut milk.
Pinch salt: Enhances the natural flavors in the rice and balances the richness.

How to Make Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Soy Marinade and Chicken

Start by mixing the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and olive oil in a bowl until well combined. This luscious marinade is the secret to the irresistible flavor of the drumsticks. Toss the chicken drumsticks in the mixture, making sure each piece is beautifully coated. Let them soak in that sweet and savory bath while you get the rice ready.

Step 2: Bake the Drumsticks

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet in a single layer. Pop them in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Don’t forget to baste the drumsticks halfway through cooking with the pan juices—this step locks in moisture and helps develop that glossy, sticky glaze that makes this recipe truly special.

Step 3: Cook the Coconut Rice

While the chicken bakes, combine the jasmine rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt in a pot. Bring it to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the creamy coconut flavor. Fluff with a fork and keep warm until the chicken is ready.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Once the chicken drumsticks are perfectly cooked and sticky, serve them over a generous bed of coconut rice. The combination of sweet, savory chicken and fragrant rice will make your taste buds sing. This dish shines when both parts are enjoyed together so each bite is rich with contrast and comfort.

How to Serve Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe

The image shows a white tray with nine glazed chicken drumsticks arranged closely together, each coated in a shiny, reddish-brown sauce with some pieces of sliced red chili on top. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered over the drumsticks and tray, adding a fresh touch. On the right side of the tray, there is a white bowl filled with stir-fried rice mixed with small pieces of orange carrot, green leafy vegetables, and purple cabbage, creating a colorful contrast. The tray is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a little brightness and crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the plated dish. These simple garnishes elevate the look and add an extra layer of texture and flavor that complements the sticky drumsticks beautifully.

Side Dishes

If you want to add more colors and flavors to your meal, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or some lightly steamed bok choy drizzled with a bit of sesame oil. The freshness and slight bitterness will balance the richness of the chicken and coconut rice perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or fun family meal, try serving the chicken and coconut rice in individual bowls topped with a wedge of lime. The acidity from the lime juice adds a lovely contrast. You can also arrange the chicken drumsticks on a large platter surrounded by the rice and garnishes for a shareable, inviting centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken drumsticks and coconut rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separated helps maintain the rice’s texture while preserving the glaze on the chicken.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked drumsticks and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure the best texture when reheating later.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken drumsticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to preserve their crispness. Heat the coconut rice gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to bring back its softness and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other chicken cuts instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or even breasts can work well, though drumsticks tend to stay juicier and develop a better glaze texture in this recipe.

Is jasmine rice necessary for the coconut rice?

Jasmine rice is best for its fragrance and fluffy texture, but you can substitute with basmati rice if needed, adjusting the liquid slightly during cooking.

What if I don’t have coconut milk?

You could use regular milk or cream, but the rice won’t have the same subtle sweetness and richness. Coconut milk gives this recipe its signature tropical flavor.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! Adding chili flakes to the marinade or sprinkling them over the cooked drumsticks is a great way to introduce a pleasant heat that balances the honey’s sweetness.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, entirely. The creamy texture in the rice comes from coconut milk, making this recipe naturally dairy-free and perfect for those avoiding dairy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe. It’s one of those comforting yet special meals that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this dish will surely become a favorite in your cooking rotation. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Alice

Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Coconut Rice Recipe