Finger Drumsticks
Finger Drumsticks offer crispy, glazed chicken wings with a sweet and tangy lemon-soy sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and appetizer platters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Divide chicken wings in half at the joint and discard the tips. Place them in a single layer on a rack in a broiler pan.
- Bake the wings at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
- Turn the wings over and bake for an additional 40 minutes, turning and basting several times until richly glazed.
- In a saucepan, mix the dry ingredients: sugar, cornstarch, salt, ground ginger, and pepper.
- Stir in water, lemon juice, and soy sauce.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and boiling for 3 minutes.
- Brush part of the sauce over the chicken wings during baking.
- Continue baking, turning, and basting several times until the wings are richly glazed.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken wings in the soy sauce mixture for a few hours or overnight. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use honey instead of sugar, or swap out half the soy sauce for low-sodium soy sauce. For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these finger drumsticks with a side of crunchy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a delightful contrast. They also pair perfectly with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside creamy mashed potatoes, or for a cozy option, try them with Paul'S Brunswick Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover wings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave them for quicker reheating, but they may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Finger Drumsticks contains roughly 498 calories, with 14g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (165% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and iron (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2034mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken wings for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken wings. Just be sure to thaw them completely before baking. It’s best to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This will ensure they cook evenly and achieve that perfect glaze.
What if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that this may result in a slightly different texture, but it will still help thicken the sauce effectively.
How can I make these wings spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating hot sauce into the glaze or adding cayenne pepper to the dry ingredient mix. You can also toss the baked wings in a spicy buffalo sauce after they finish baking for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).