5 Ingredient Sticky Stove Top Balsamic Drumsticks

4.89 (8)
⏱ 30 mins 🍽 Serves 4 🏷 Main course

These sticky balsamic drumsticks are prepared entirely on the stove top, offering a quicker alternative to baking. A short list of pantry staples, including balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, transforms into a rich, glossy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. The method involves simmering the drumsticks in the sauce before reducing it to a sticky consistency. Ready in about 30 minutes, it is a straightforward yet impressive dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

5 Ingredient Sticky Stove Top Balsamic Drumsticks

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumsticks ((2 lb / 1 kg) (Note 1))
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (all purpose or light, not dark)
  • 3 tbsp sugar ((brown))
  • 3 garlic cloves (, minced)
  • 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
  • 2 tbsp Sriracha or 1 tsp red pepper flakes ((Note 2))
  • Parsley or shallots/scallions (, finely sliced)

Method

  1. Place all the ingredients into a large skillet or pot, ensuring the chicken drumsticks lie in a single layer.
  2. Bring the contents to a boil, turn the chicken pieces, then lower the heat to maintain an energetic simmer without a lid.
  3. Continue cooking for 20 minutes, remembering to turn the chicken over once at the 10 minute mark.
  4. Once the chicken is cooked through, shift the drumsticks to the edges of the skillet to expose as much of the liquid surface as possible for reduction.
  5. Let the liquid simmer for 5 minutes or until it thickens to a consistency similar to thick pouring cream, coating the chicken. Watch it closely as it thickens quickly, then roll the chicken in the glaze.
  6. Take the skillet off the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes, during which the sauce will thicken a little more. Roll the chicken in the glaze once again before serving, adding a garnish if you like.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrition data not available.

Recipe details

CategoryMain course
AuthorNagi | RecipeTin Eats