Chicken drumsticks roast with orange zest, red curry paste and sweet chili sauce, leaving sticky browned edges and juicy meat underneath.
Orange zest makes the glaze on Thai Drumsticks fragrant without adding much liquid. The sauce clings to the skin as it roasts, while the curry paste brings enough savory heat to balance the sweet chili coating.
Space the drumsticks apart so hot air reaches each one. If the glaze darkens before the meat is cooked, cover the pan loosely with foil and continue roasting until the thickest part reaches temperature.
Method
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment. Mix the sweet chili sauce, orange zest, 2 tbsp orange juice, garlic, Thai red curry paste and salt in a large bowl.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry and toss in the glaze. Arrange on the pan with space between them, then spoon any glaze left in the bowl over the chicken.
Roast for , turning halfway through, until browned and at least 165°F in the thickest part away from the bone. If the glaze browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Forkue tips
- Drumsticks are especially tender around 175°F; the higher temperature helps soften the connective tissue while the dark meat stays juicy.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on a sheet pan at 350°F (175°C), loosely covered at first, then uncovered to make the glaze tacky again.
Kitchen gear
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Thai drumsticks: FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Bone-in thighs work well, but their size changes the cooking time. Check the thickest part with a thermometer rather than relying on the clock.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead?
Yes. Mix it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Coat the chicken when you are ready to roast so the skin has less time to absorb moisture.
How do I store and reheat Thai drumsticks?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on a sheet pan at 350°F (175°C), loosely covered at first, then uncovered to make the glaze tacky again.
How long does Thai drumsticks take?
About 50 min in total: 10 min prep and 40 min cooking.
What do I need to make Thai drumsticks?
The key ingredients are chicken drumsticks, sweet chili sauce, orange, garlic and thai red curry paste, plus pantry basics.
Any tips for Thai drumsticks?
Drumsticks are especially tender around 175°F; the higher temperature helps soften the connective tissue while the dark meat stays juicy.
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