Chinese Chicken Drumsticks (Chinese Chicken Drumming)
Description:
These Chinese-style chicken drumsticks are marinated in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and Chinese five-spice, then oven-baked or air-fried until sticky, savory, and slightly sweet. The result is crispy skin on the outside, tender and juicy meat inside—perfect for parties, snacks, or a weekday dinner.
⏱️ Time Required:
Step Time
Preparation 15 minutes
Marination (recommended) 2–4 hours
Cooking (oven) 40–45 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time ~3 hours (with marination)
Ingredients (Serves 4–5):
10 chicken drumsticks (skin-on)
3 tbsp soy sauce (light)
2 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color & richness)
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
1 tbsp sesame oi
1½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
3 cloves garlic, mince
½ tsp black pepper
Optional garnish: chopped green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Clean & Score the Chicken
Wash and pat dry the drumsticks.
Use a sharp knife to make 2–3 shallow cuts on each drumstick. This helps the marinade penetrate deeper.
2. Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, mix:
Soy sauces (light & dark)
Oyster sauce
Hoisin sauce
Honey
Vinegar
Sesame oil
Five-spice powder
Ginger
Garlic
Pepper
Mix thoroughly.
3. Marinate
Place drumsticks in a large ziplock bag or bowl.
Pour in the marinade and coat the chicken evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours (overnight is ideal).
4. Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
Place a wire rack over the tray for even cooking (optional but helps crisp the skin).
5. Bake the Chicken
Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the tray/rack.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, turning once halfway through and basting with leftover marinade
Tip: For crispier skin, switch to broil/grill mode in the last 5 minutes.
6. Rest & Garnish
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.
Frequently Asked Questions (with Answers)
Q1: Can I air-fry these chicken drumsticks?
A: Yes! Preheat the air fryer to 180°C / 360°F, cook for 25–30 minutes, turning once. Baste once with extra marinade if desired.
Q2: Is marination necessary?
A: While you can bake the chicken immediately, marinating for at least 2 hours significantly improves the flavor and tenderness.
Q3: Can I use chicken wings or thighs instead?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time:
Wings: 25–30 mins
Thighs (bone-in): 35–40 mins
Q4: What is Chinese five-spice powder?
A: It’s a blend of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It gives the dish its signature warm, aromatic flavor.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 180°C to maintain crispiness.
Q6: What to serve with Chinese Chicken Drumsticks?
A:
Steamed jasmine rice
Stir-fried vegetables
Fried rice or lo mein
Pickled cucumber salad
Chili garlic n
oodle