Guinness Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, sticky, and packed with bold flavor! These oven-baked chicken legs are brushed with a rich Guinness glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and savory that's perfect for St Patrick's Day.
There’s something deeply satisfying about sticky, glazed chicken drumsticks, especially when they’re infused with the bold, malty richness of Guinness!
These Guinness Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a simple yet flavor-packed dish that balances sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes in a way that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they're perfect for St. Patrick's Day or to add an Irish twist to game day!
Juicy drumsticks, oven-baked until golden, then brushed with a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy Guinness glaze—what’s not to love?
The beer adds depth, while honey and brown sugar create that irresistible caramelization.
A little mustard, soy sauce, and vinegar balance the flavors, making each bite a perfect mix of savory, sweet, and just a bit of zing.
Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes, over a crisp salad, or alongside roasted vegetables. And if you’re hosting, these are fantastic party food—sticky fingers and all!
If you love cooking chicken drumsticks, then be sure to also try Maple Mustard Chicken Legs, Buttermilk Old Bay Chicken Legs, Crispy Deep Fried Chicken Legs, or Honey Mustard Chicken Legs.
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Guinness
Guinness is a famous Irish dry stout that originated in Dublin, Ireland, in 1759.
Known for its deep, dark color and creamy, frothy head, it has a distinct malty richness with notes of coffee, chocolate, and roasted barley.
It’s brewed using water, barley, hops, and yeast, with a signature roasting process that gives it its unique flavor.
While Guinness is a classic pub staple, it's also widely used in cooking, adding depth and richness to sauces, stews, and glazes, like in these Guinness Glazed Chicken Drumsticks.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deep, rich flavor – The Guinness glaze adds a malty, slightly smoky depth that elevates simple chicken drumsticks.
- Easy to prepare – Minimal hands-on cooking, just bake, glaze, and broil.
- Great for gatherings – Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner.
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients but tastes gourmet.
- Versatile – Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even meal prep for the week.
- Irish - Perfect for St. Patrick's Day, or an Irish themed party or game day!
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Chicken Drumsticks - The star of the dish—juicy, flavorful, and budget-friendly. You can also use bone-in thighs or wings.
- Guinness Beer - Adds malty richness and depth to the glaze. Any dark stout will work as a substitute.
- Honey - Contributes sweetness and helps with caramelization. Maple syrup or agave can work as substitutes.
- Brown Sugar - Enhances the glaze’s richness. Dark brown sugar will give a deeper molasses flavor.
- Soy Sauce - Balances sweetness with umami depth. Tamari or coconut aminos can be used for a gluten-free version.
- Dijon Mustard - Adds tanginess and a bit of heat. Spicy brown mustard or whole grain mustard can also work.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Provides acidity to balance the glaze. White vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be used.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder - Enhances overall flavor without overpowering the glaze.
- Cornstarch - Helps thicken the glaze to the perfect consistency. You can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make Guinness Glazed Drumsticks
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place the tray in the oven and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, turning halfway, or until the chicken legs are cooked through and the skin is lightly browned and golden.
To check they are done with a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should read 165°F.
While the chicken drumsticks are baking, prepare the glaze: In a medium saucepan, whisk all the glaze ingredients over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the Guinness glaze and cook for a further 2 minutes until thickened slightly.
Once the drumsticks are cooked, brush them with the Guinness glaze, making sure each piece is well coated.
Place the dish of Guinness glazed chicken legs under the broiler for a few minutes until browned and bubbling.
Serving Suggestions
- Over mashed potatoes.
- With roasted vegetables.
- Served with coleslaw, such as Asian Cabbage Salad.
- On a bed of rice. Try Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice.
- With a side of cornbread.
- As part of a game-day platter.
- With a cold pint of Guinness.
- Over a fresh salad.
- With mac and cheese.Try Super Creamy Velveeta Mac and Cheese.
Variations
- Spicy Guinness Glaze – Add sriracha, cayenne, or chili flakes for a kick.
- BBQ-Style – Mix in some barbecue sauce for a smoky twist.
- Maple Stout Glaze – Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- Whiskey Glazed Chicken – Replace Guinness with bourbon for a rich twist.
- Air Fryer Version – Cook the chicken at 375°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Check they're cooked through.
- Grilled Drumsticks – Grill over medium heat until cooked through, and baste with glaze in the last few minutes.
- Slow Cooker Option – Cook drumsticks in the glaze on low for 4 hours until cooked through, then broil to crisp.
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze glazed drumsticks for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead: Cook drumsticks and store separately from the glaze. Reheat and glaze just before serving.
More Appetizer Recipes
Recipe Tips
- Use a wire rack – It helps air circulate around the drumsticks, making them crispier.
- Pat the chicken dry – Removes excess moisture for better browning.
- Reduce the glaze properly – It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Broil at the end – This caramelizes the glaze and gives a sticky finish.
- Let the chicken rest – Rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier meat.
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📖 Recipe
Guinness Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- saucepan
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup Guinness 240ml
- ¼ cup honey 60ml
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce 60ml
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken legs on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway, or until the chicken legs are cooked through and the skin is lightly browned and golden.
- To check they are done with a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should read 165°F.
- While the chicken drumsticks are baking, prepare the glaze: In a medium saucepan, whisk all the glaze ingredients over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the Guinness glaze and cook for a further 2 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Once the drumsticks are cooked, brush them with the Guinness glaze, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Place the dish of Guiness glazed chicken legs under the broiler for a few minutes until browned and bubbling.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
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