The whole family will love these Sesame-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks. They can be cooked either on the grill or in the oven — both ways are delicious!
I absolutely know it is unfair for me to post a recipe that I made on the grill, when many of you guys are freezing your hineys off in other parts of the country (I am looking at YOU, Buffalo, NY!). So, yea… sorry about that.
Buuuuuut, I include TWO cooking methods below: on the grill and in the oven oven. So don’t click away just yet!
The first time I made these Sesame Glazed Chicken Drumsticks, Travis and I devoured every single one. The sesame glaze is SO stinking good. What I love most about this recipe is that I had all of the ingredients in my pantry already — I just had to buy the drumsticks and green onions.
I significantly cut down on the fat in this recipe by removing all of the skin from the drumsticks. Don’t worry – they’ll still taste delicious because the sesame glaze gives these babies so. much. flavor.
Make sure to reserve some of the sauce for dipping!
I serve these chicken drumsticks with a healthy green vegetable like broccoli or green beans, but that’s totally up to you!
Enjoy!
P.S. Don’t forget to enter my Sun Basket giveaway, which ends on 1/17!

The whole family will love these Sesame Glazed Chicken Drumsticks. They can be cooked either on the grill or in the oven, both ways are delicious!
- 8 skinless chicken drumsticks
- Salt and pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tablespoons scallions, green parts only, finely chopped
- 3 Tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1.5 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
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Combine all the glaze ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
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Heat a charcoal grill to high heat. Pat the chicken legs dry. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cook the drumsticks for 12 minutes on direct heat. After 12 minutes, brush with half of the sesame glaze. Continue cooking the drumsticks on indirect heat for 5-6 additional minutes, until the thickest part registers 160 degrees on a meat thermometer.
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Serve with remaining sesame glaze.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a glass baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
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Pat the chicken legs dry. Season with salt and pepper.
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Place the chicken drumsticks in the baking dish, making sure that none of the drumsticks are touching each other.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove dish from oven and brush each drumstick with half of the sesame glaze. Continue baking for another 15 minutes, until the thickest part of the drumstick registers 160 degrees on a meat thermometer. For browner drumsticks, broil on high for the last 3 minutes.
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Serve with remaining sesame glaze.
Simone
You’re forgiven for giving a grill recipe although yes it’s not exactly grilling weather here at the moment. But hey my grill indoors will work fine here too! Looks great and love that sesame glaze!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Haha, thanks Simone!
Chelsea LeBlanc
Wow! These sound amazing! That sesame glaze sounds too good! 🙂
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Thank you, Chelsea! The glaze is DEEEEELISH!
Christina
OMG these are gorgeous. I love the flavor of sesame and when its put into a glaze… YASSS
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Me too!!! Thanks girl!
Kellen
These look like the perfect game day food!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
They are! But healthier than most drumsticks or wings 😉
Jeff
Looks so good. Will have to try making this soon. Thanks for sharing!
Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple
I’ll forgive you for the grill recipe… I still use mine even in the winter.. And going out in the snow would be worth it for these chicken drumsticks!! Yum!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
haha! I’m so glad Liz!
Linz @ Itz Linz
YUM! i want these for dinner tonight!
Rachel (littlechefbigappetite)
Make ’em! Make’em!