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

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 87 reviews

If you are on the lookout for a dish that brings together irresistible sweet and savory flavors with an aromatic twist, you must try this Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coconut Rice Recipe. The sticky, caramelized chicken drumsticks soak up the rich honey soy glaze, perfectly complemented by the luscious, creamy coconut rice that has just the right hint of saltiness and tropical essence. This combination creates a comforting, satisfying meal that feels special enough for company but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image is divided into four sections showing different stages of making a dish. The top right shows raw chicken wings in a clear plastic bag on a white marbled surface. The bottom right displays cooked chicken wings placed on a layer of white rice in a white bowl, topped with green herbs and sesame seeds. The bottom left shows a close-up of white rice with small green garnish on it in a white bowl. The top left contains three small white bowls, one with a dark sauce, another with a light creamy sauce, and the third with a red sauce, along with some garlic cloves on the white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from building flavor layers to creating the perfect texture on your plate. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—few ingredients, but each one powerful in making the Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coconut Rice Recipe shine.

8 Chicken drumsticks: Choose drumsticks with skin on for extra crispiness when baked.
1/4 cup Soy sauce: This salty, umami-packed base is the heart of the marinade.
3 tbsp Honey: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps form that sticky glaze on the chicken.
2 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings a sharp, aromatic depth supporting the honey and soy.
1 tsp Grated ginger: Adds warmth and a gentle zing to balance the sweet and salty elements.
1 tbsp Vegetable oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and promotes a beautiful caramelization.
1 cup Jasmine rice: A fragrant variety that cooks up fluffy and tender—ideal for coconut rice.
1 cup Coconut milk: Creamy and rich, the coconut milk gives the rice its signature tropical flavor and silky texture.
1 cup Water: Necessary for perfectly cooking the jasmine rice alongside coconut milk.
1/2 tsp Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the rice and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coconut Rice Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and vegetable oil in a large bowl. This sticky marinade is where the magic begins—it combines salty, sweet, and aromatic notes that will soak deep into the chicken as it bakes. Once mixed, coat each chicken drumstick thoroughly in this mixture and place them on a lined baking tray for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the marinated drumsticks for 40 to 45 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. This turn ensures that all sides get evenly caramelized and sticky. When the skin looks beautifully golden and the chicken is cooked through, you know you’ve hit the jackpot. For an extra touch of caramelization, you can broil the drumsticks for an additional 2 to 3 minutes at the end of baking.

Step 3: Cook the Fragrant Coconut Rice

While the chicken is baking, turn your attention to the coconut rice. Begin by rinsing the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this simple step prevents the rice from becoming too sticky. Add the rice to a saucepan along with the coconut milk, water, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the rice cook for 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork to release all those lovely steam-scented aromas.

How to Serve Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coconut Rice Recipe

Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coconut Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Elevate your dish with fresh touches like chopped green onions or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on the chicken for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the soy glaze beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coconut Rice Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed greens such as bok choy, broccoli, or snap peas. Their vibrant crunch and slight bitterness balance the sticky sweetness of the chicken and the creamy rice perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the drumsticks on a rustic wooden board alongside a mound of coconut rice wrapped in a banana leaf for an authentic touch. Alternatively, plate the chicken atop a nest of rice and drizzle any leftover glaze over the top for an impressive presentation that highlights all the flavors on one plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken and coconut rice keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making reheated portions taste just as delicious as when freshly made.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately for up to 2 months. Wrap the drumsticks tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag, while rice can be portioned in freezer containers. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready whenever you crave this Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coconut Rice Recipe.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness, and microwave or gently steam the rice until heated through. Adding a splash of water when reheating rice helps restore its fluffy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully with the honey soy marinade and will remain juicy and flavorful. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on their size.

Is jasmine rice necessary or can I use another rice?

Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrant aroma and light texture, which complement the coconut milk beautifully. However, basmati rice can be a good substitute if jasmine rice isn’t available, though the flavor profile may be slightly different.

How sticky will the chicken glaze be?

The honey soy glaze becomes delightfully sticky and caramelized as it bakes, creating a finger-licking coating that clings to each drumstick. The broiling step enhances this stickiness and encourages a deeper caramel color.

Can I prepare this recipe without an oven?

Yes, you can cook the chicken drumsticks in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the drumsticks on all sides, then cover and cook through on lower heat, turning occasionally and basting with the marinade until sticky and cooked through.

Does this dish have any common allergens?

This recipe contains soy from the soy sauce, so it’s important to use a gluten-free soy sauce if you need to avoid gluten. Apart from that, it’s naturally dairy-free and relies on simple, common ingredients.

Final Thoughts

When you make this Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coconut Rice Recipe, you’re making more than just a meal—you’re creating an experience on your plate that’s packed with bold flavors, delightful textures, and heartwarming comfort. It’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite because it’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your cooking rotation!

Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks with Fragrant Coconut Rice Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need