Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these irresistible Sweet Hot Orange Chicken Drumettes! Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, glazed drumette that combines the zesty brightness of orange, the kick of hot sauce, and the rich umami of soy sauce - all in one mouthwatering bite. Whether you're hosting a game day party, looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or craving a dinner that's both simple to make and incredibly delicious, these drumettes are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumettes
- 1/2 cup orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together orange marmalade, soy sauce, hot sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a vibrant, glossy marinade.
- Pat the chicken drumettes dry with paper towels to ensure they'll crisp up nicely and help the marinade adhere better.
- Add the chicken drumettes to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- Arrange the marinated drumettes on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote even cooking and crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the drumettes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which helps maintain moisture.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds before serving for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or main dish, accompanied by rice or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before marinating to ensure maximum flavor absorption and crispy skin.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each drumette space to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
- For extra shine and flavor, brush an additional layer of marinade halfway through cooking.
- Let the drumettes rest after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender.
- For a spicier version, increase the hot sauce; for a milder taste, reduce it.
- Marinating for longer (up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) can intensify the flavor even more.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste, when the glaze is still warm and sticky.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
