Caramelized Baked Chicken Legs or Wings
Ingredients:
2 pounds chicken legs or wings
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt, to taste
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet if you have one; this helps the chicken cook evenly.
Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken legs or wings in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Bake the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet (or wire rack).
Reserve the marinade for later.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Glaze the Chicken:
While the chicken is baking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, brush the thickened marinade over the chicken to caramelize it.
Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve with your favorite sides!