Name: Honey Glazed Drumsticks with Garlic Butter Veggies & Soft Rolls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced (for glaze); 1 cup baby carrots; 1 cup green beans; 1 zucchini, sliced; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced (for veggies); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 package of store-bought soft dinner rolls (or homemade, optional); 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

A comforting, flavor-packed dinner that brings together the sweetness of honey-glazed chicken drumsticks, the richness of garlicky buttered vegetables, and the soft, pillowy texture of warm rolls. This hearty meal is easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to serve to guests around the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Honey Glazed Drumsticks:

8 chicken drumsticks

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Garlic Butter Veggies:

1 cup baby carrots

1 cup green beans

2 tablespoons butter

1 zucchini, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Soft Rolls:

1 package of store-bought soft dinner rolls (or homemade, optional)

1 tablespoon butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Drumsticks:
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). After patting the drumsticks dry, I season them with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the drumsticks for 3–4 minutes on each side until browned.
Then I whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic in a bowl. I transfer the drumsticks to a baking dish and pour the glaze over them. They go into the oven for 25–30 minutes, and I baste them halfway through to make sure they stay juicy and get that perfect caramelization.

Prepare the Veggies:
While the drumsticks bake, I steam or boil the carrots, green beans, and zucchini until tender — usually about 5–7 minutes. In a separate skillet, I melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and let it sauté for a minute. Then I toss in the vegetables, season with salt, pepper, and thyme, and stir everything together for another 2–3 minutes so the butter and garlic coat every bite.

Warm the Rolls:
I place the rolls on a tray, brush them with melted butter, and sprinkle on garlic powder if I’m using it. Then I warm them in the oven for about 5 minutes.

Finally, I plate the drumsticks with a generous helping of garlic butter veggies and warm rolls on the side. If there’s any extra glaze in the baking dish, I drizzle it over the chicken for even more flavor.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the drumsticks for bone-in chicken thighs if that’s what I have on hand.

For a spicy kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the glaze.

I like switching up the veggies with broccoli, bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes, depending on the season.

Instead of store-bought rolls, I use homemade biscuits or cornbread when I want something more rustic.

I’ve also made this recipe with maple syrup instead of honey, which gives it a deeper, richer sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer using the oven to keep the drumsticks crispy on the outside — about 10–15 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The veggies reheat well in a skillet with a little butter. The rolls can be wrapped in foil and warmed in the oven, or I pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for quick softness.

FAQs

How do I know when the drumsticks are fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The juices should also run clear when pierced near the bone.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often marinate the drumsticks in the glaze a few hours before or even overnight. The veggies and rolls are best made fresh, but everything reheats well.

What can I use instead of honey?

I’ve swapped honey with maple syrup or agave nectar before. Both give a slightly different flavor but still work beautifully in the glaze.

Can I cook the drumsticks entirely on the stovetop?

It’s possible, but I find baking helps the glaze caramelize better. If I’m short on time, I’ll finish them covered in the skillet over low heat after searing.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As long as I use gluten-free soy sauce and rolls, the recipe can be made gluten-free. Always double-check packaging for hidden gluten sources.

Conclusion

This Honey Glazed Drumsticks with Garlic Butter Veggies and Soft Rolls recipe is my go-to when I want something comforting, balanced, and full of flavor. It’s simple to prepare, looks beautiful on the plate, and hits every craving — sweet, savory, buttery, and satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a crowd, it’s a meal that always delivers.

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