Spicy Chicken Drumsticks in Orange Sauce

This delectable dish combines the savory flavors of chicken drumsticks with the sweet and tangy profile of orange and spices, creating an irresistible meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, the chicken is browned to perfection and infused with aromatic ginger and garlic, resulting in juicy and flavorful pieces. The orange zest adds a zesty kick, while the honey brings a touch of sweetness that's beautifully balanced by soy sauce. Served with a silky orange sauce, this dish is both comforting and exotic. The recipe is straightforward and doesn't require exotic ingredients, making it accessible to everyone. Although the cooking time is under an hour, the taste feels like a gourmet experience. Versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs, you can easily adjust the spice levels or substitute ingredients. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh salad, offering a delightful blend of flavors. Whether you're an experienced cook or a novice, you'll find this recipe both enjoyable and rewarding.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

4 large chicken drumsticks
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons fresh grated or 2 teaspoons dried ginger
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce:

200 g orange juice
100 g roasting broth (or other)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons wheat flour
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Preparation Time

45 minutes (total; includes both preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Place the chicken drumsticks in the pan and cook them until they're browned on all sides.
Sprinkle the browned drumsticks with salt and ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
Add the minced garlic cloves to the pan, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Once the garlic is fragrant, transfer the drumsticks to a shallow baking dish.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (approximately 390°F).
Position the baking dish on a middle rack and bake the drumsticks for about 10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix honey, grated ginger, and orange zest thoroughly to create a flavorful mixture.
Pour this mixture over the chicken drumsticks after the initial baking period.
Return the baking dish to the oven and continue to bake for another 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, and wheat flour, whisking until smooth.
Add in any juices left over from the browned drumsticks.
Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Heat the sauce mixture on the stove, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.
Remove the pan from heat and whisk in the butter until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
Serve the chicken drumsticks hot, drizzling generously with the prepared orange sauce.
Optional: Serve alongside steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added touch of freshness.
Enjoy your spicy chicken drumsticks in orange sauce for a delightful main course.
Bon Appétit!

Tips

Substitutions: Maple syrup can replace honey for a different sweetness.
Spices: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you desire extra heat.
Texture: For a thicker sauce, increase the amount of wheat flour slightly.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 350 per serving
Protein: 28g
Fats: 15g
Carbs: 30g

Variations

Dietary Needs: Use gluten-free flour for the sauce to cater to dietary restrictions.
Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with fluffy white rice or quinoa.
Serve alongside steamed broccoli or a green salad.
Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro for added flavor.

Best Places

The Blue Duck Tavern - Renowned for its contemporary take on American cuisine and inventive chicken dishes. Location: 24th and M Streets NW, Washington, D.C., USA.
Gaggan - Offers a fusion of Indian flavors with a modern twist, including mouth-watering chicken specials. Location: Sukhumvit 31, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Central - Famous for its Peruvian roots and creative menu, this place excels in chicken preparations. Location: Santa Isabel 376, Lima, Peru.
Osteria Francescana - Offers a unique blend of Italian and global flavors with standout chicken dishes. Location: Via Stella 22, Modena, Italy.
The French Laundry - Celebrated for exquisite French cuisine featuring sublime chicken entrees. Location: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, California, USA.
Narisawa - Combines traditional Japanese techniques with innovation, excelling in chicken flavors. Location: 2 Chome-6-15 Minami Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan.
Noma - Presents Nordic cuisine with a focus on local ingredients including seasonal chicken dishes. Location: Refshalevej 96, 1432 København K, Denmark.
Quintonil - Mexico City's gem for modern Mexican food, offering exciting chicken creations. Location: Newton 55, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
Per Se - Offers an exquisite menu inspired by global tastes, including premium chicken dishes. Location: 10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY, USA.