Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Easy

Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

(211)
30 min4372 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|January 15, 2024

This Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a Canadian favourite that brings incredible flavour to your dinner table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking, this dish features tender, juicy chicken paired with carefully balanced seasonings that the whole family will love. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or cooking for guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every time. Every step has been tested in Canadian kitchens using ingredients available at your local grocery store. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can have this delicious meal ready without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of simple techniques and bold flavours makes this one of the most requested chicken recipes on our site. Bookmark this page and add it to your regular rotation — you will not be disappointed.

asian-inspiredeasy-chicken-drumstick-recipesteriyaki-chicken-legsoven-baked-chicken-drumsticks-

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Use a Meat Thermometer

The only reliable way to know chicken is safe and perfectly cooked is an instant-read thermometer. Pull at 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part. No guessing, no cutting into it and losing juices.

High Heat Finish

Start at 200°C (400°F) for even cooking, then blast at 230°C (450°F) for the last 5 minutes to crisp the skin. This two-temperature method gives you juicy meat with golden, crackly skin.

About This Recipe

Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks are a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavours and Canadian comfort. This dish is special because it marries the rich, umami characteristics of teriyaki sauce with the succulent texture of chicken drumsticks, making it a family favourite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something easy yet satisfying, or for those lazy weekends when cooking should feel effortless. The combination of fresh ginger and garlic, paired with the sweetness of honey or brown sugar, creates a mouthwatering glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its adaptability; it can be easily doubled for larger gatherings or adjusted to suit your taste. Canadian home cooks love it because it utilizes readily available ingredients and requires minimal prep time, allowing you to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. The sticky, glossy finish of the drumsticks will have everyone coming back for seconds, making it a dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Tips for the Best Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

To ensure your Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks are perfectly cooked, aim for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Marinating the chicken for at least 15 minutes allows the flavours to penetrate deeply, enhancing the overall taste. Be cautious not to overbake; checking the drumsticks at the 25-minute mark will help prevent dryness. The cornstarch in the marinade not only thickens the sauce but also helps create a delightful glaze as it bakes.

What to Serve With It

These Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks are best served alongside fluffy jasmine rice or a vibrant stir-fried vegetable medley. For a Canadian twist, consider adding a side of coleslaw to balance the meal with a refreshing crunch. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top adds a beautiful finish and an extra layer of flavour, elevating your presentation for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying them out, place the drumsticks in a baking dish, brush with a bit of additional teriyaki sauce, and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. If you want to freeze them, they can be stored for up to 3 months; just be sure to cool them completely before placing in a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition Per Serving

372
Calories
28g
Protein
14g
Fat
33g
Carbs
Fiber5g
Sugar9g
Sodium725mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken drumsticks for this recipe?+

Yes, you can! Bone-in chicken drumsticks will add more flavour, but they will require a slightly longer cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before serving.

What can I substitute for sesame oil?+

If you don't have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or vegetable oil, though the flavour will be slightly different. Toasted sesame oil will give a deeper nutty flavour if available.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?+

Absolutely! Marinating overnight will intensify the flavours and make the chicken even more tender. Just be sure to keep it in the fridge.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?+

Yes, these drumsticks are perfect for meal prep! Just store them in individual containers with your choice of sides for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?+

Yes! Simply substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and you can enjoy this dish without worry.

Reviews

4.6 / 5 (211 reviews)
Amanda U.
Nov 21, 2025

Absolutely delicious! The whole family devoured it.

Ryan Y.
Sep 2, 2025

Best chicken recipe I have tried in a long time.

Ashley W.
Jan 28, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
15 min
Cook:
15 min
Total:
30 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Always pat chicken dry before cooking for the best sear and crispiest skin.
  • 2Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for food safety.
  • 3Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.

Variations

  • Substitute chicken thighs for breast for a juicier, more forgiving result.
  • Add your favourite seasonal vegetables to make it a complete one-dish meal.
  • Adjust spice levels to your personal preference — start mild and add more heat gradually.

Asian-Inspired Chicken

Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks

Your family will LOVE this Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks. Bookmark it now!

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Baked Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks - delicious Canadian chicken recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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