Description
Golden, tender chicken drumsticks roasted in a rich vanilla butter glaze. Sweet, savory, and aromatic with a glossy caramelized finish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, very soft
- 1 tablespoon apple juice (non-alcoholic substitute for brandy)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 3 1/2 to 4 pounds)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together butter, apple juice, vanilla extract, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Arrange drumsticks on the baking sheet and brush the butter mixture generously over each piece.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken is golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Brush with any remaining melted butter from the pan before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to keep the skin crispy.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 160mg