Make our turmeric chicken drumsticks with garlic honey glaze; this is a simple chicken leg recipe made with only 5 ingredients.
As I told you in my last post – Turmeric Paste for Golden Milk, turmeric is such an amazing spice, “the spice of life,” as the people of India call it, something I am striving to include in our diet as much as I can.
I discovered the recipe for the honey turmeric chicken only about 3 months ago, but I think I must have made it 6 times ever since. My children, especially my daughter, love chicken legs.
So I cook lots and lots of chicken legs, mostly baked; that is the way they both like them best, but I try to be creative with the seasoning at least because it would definitely get boring to serve exactly the same thing over and over again.
Check out more chicken leg recipes: Cast Iron Chicken Drumsticks, Spicy Butterflied Chicken Legs, or Mexican Chicken Legs.
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📋Recipe ingredients
I have been using this turmeric honey glaze very often lately. Not only does it taste absolutely delicious and look totally appealing due to that wonderful bright turmeric yellow, but it is also so easy and quick to make. And it is cheap on top of everything.
- You will only need 5 ingredients: chicken legs (thighs and/or drumsticks) + turmeric powder + honey + garlic + soy sauce (the Amazon affiliate links open in new tabs). Not counting the salt and the one teaspoon oil for greasing the baking tray.
- Chicken: I use whole legs, which I divide at the joint. You can do that as well, or you can use thighs and/or drumsticks instead.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
🍗How to divide chicken legs at the joint?
- Hold the thigh with one hand and the leg with the other hand. Bend the chicken leg until the joint dislocates.
- Cut through the dislocated joint with a sharp knife or use kitchen shears. Remove the excess fat and skin.
👩🏻🍳How to make turmeric chicken legs?
Step #1: Grate the garlic. Mix with honey, soy sauce, turmeric, and salt. Rub the drumsticks with the mixture.
Step #2: Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until cooked through. Make sure to check,
❗Expert Tips
Check the internal temperature: This is the best way. Use a meat thermometer (the Amazon affiliate link opens in a new tab) and insert it in the thickest part of the thigh. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F/ 74°C.
Skewer: Insert a skewer in the thickest part of the turmeric chicken thighs; the juices should run clear.
Cut: Make a small cut on the underside of the piece of meat near the bone. The meat around the bone should be white and not pink or bloody.
❓Recipe FAQs
Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used instead of chicken legs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Absolutely! Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor to the turmeric chicken. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
Cool cooked chicken legs and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Reheat chicken legs in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or on the stovetop for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
🍽️What to serve with it?
I usually serve the turmeric chicken drumsticks with baked potato wedges and green salad with yogurt dressing.
Do you like this recipe?
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Turmeric Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F/ 200°C.
- Divide the chicken legs at the joint to have 6 thighs and 6 drumsticks (Note). Place them in a shallow and large dish. 6 whole chicken legs
- Rub chicken: In a small bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Pour the mixture over the chicken and rub the chicken well.4 garlic cloves + 3 tablespoons honey + 2 tablespoons soy sauce + 1 ½ teaspoons turmeric + 1 teaspoon salt or to taste + 1 teaspoon oil
- Roast turmeric chicken: Line a large baking tray with foil or baking parchment. Lightly brush the foil with a bit of oil. Place the chicken parts on it and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should be 165°F/ 74°C. Ohterwise, insert a toothpick in the thickest part of the thigh; the juices that run out should be completely clear, absolutely no pink. Make sure to check after 30 minutes of baking time. If the juices are still pink, prolong the baking time and check after every 5 minutes or so.
Notes
- Chicken parts: You can use whole chicken legs and divide them at the joint (See instructions below) or you can buy only thighs, only drumsticks, or a mixture.
- Divide whole chicken legs: Hold the thigh with one hand and the leg with the other hand. Bend the chicken leg until the joint dislocates. Cut through the dislocated joint with a sharp knife or use kitchen shears. Remove the excess fat and skin.
Laura Dembowski says
I absolutely love turmeric and how versatile it is. It pairs so well with many vegetables and proteins.
Kim | Low Carb Maven says
This chicken! Oh, my kids would love it! It seems like my kids are very similar to your daughter in their taste. They also love chicken wings (not my favorite). I will have to make this for them. Thanks for the recipe.
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
These turmeric chicken legs look so delicious, Adina. That yellow color is making them more appealing. I am sure my family would love these! Thanks for this wonderful share. 🙂
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
These flavors sound amazing! I love tumrtic but i don't think I cook with it enough, and the addition of honey sounds so good!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
Turmeric is my new favorite thing - I have to try this delectable looking chicken!
Chris Scheuer says
Yum! This looks amazing. I love cooking with turmeric too, it's such a versatile spice.
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
Oh man oh man! Those chicken legs look SO good! They are so beautiful and golden, I could just gobble a plate of them up right now!
Sissi says
Turmeric has been THE obligatory spice for my baked chicken legs or grilled breasts for many years now, so I'm sure your legs taste wonderful!