Mulled Cider Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 In a saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange zest and juice, nutmeg, and ginger. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. 3 Season chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper.
4. 4 Place drumsticks in a baking dish and pour the warm glaze over them.
5. 5 Dot with butter.
6. 6 Bake for 40 minutes, basting halfway through.
7. 7 Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with extra glaze from the pan.

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking dish
• Saucepan

Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
• Substitute drumsticks with chicken thighs for a different texture.

Substitutions

• If star anise is unavailable, use an extra cinnamon stick.
• Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Pairings

• Pairs well with mashed potatoes or wild rice.
• A crisp apple cider or a glass of Chardonnay complements the flavors.

Nutrition

Tips

• For a richer flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the glaze overnight in the fridge.
• Adjust the spice level to your preference by tweaking the amount of spices.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted root vegetables or a fresh green salad.
• Pairs wonderfully with a crusty loaf of bread.

FAQ