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Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Drumsticks - Juicy, Sweet, and Smoky

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken drumsticks (2–3 lbs, about 8–10 pieces)
  • Soy sauce (low-sodium preferred) – 1/2 cup
  • Mirin or sweet rice wine – 1/4 cup
  • Honey or brown sugar – 3 tablespoons
  • Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
  • Fresh ginger, grated – 1 tablespoon
  • Sesame oil – 1 teaspoon
  • Cornstarch – 2 teaspoons (for thickening the glaze)
  • Water – 2 tablespoons (to mix with cornstarch)
  • Neutral oil (canola or avocado) – for the grill grates
  • Sesame seeds – for garnish
  • Green onions, thinly sliced – for garnish
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Method
 

  1. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, mirin, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
  2. Marinate the drumsticks: Pat the chicken dry. Add to a large zip-top bag or bowl and pour in two-thirds of the marinade. Reserve the remaining third for the glaze. Marinate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) in the fridge.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat to medium (about 375–400°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Start grilling: Shake off excess marinade and place drumsticks on the grill. Cook covered for 20–25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to prevent burning and to cook evenly.
  5. Make the glaze: While the chicken grills, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer. Stir cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then whisk it into the sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes until thick and glossy.
  6. Glaze and finish: During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the drumsticks with the thickened teriyaki glaze, turning and brushing again to build a sticky coating.
  7. Check doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer. You want 175–185°F at the thickest part for tender, juicy dark meat.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Add lime wedges if you like a bright finish.