Apple-Honey Drumsticks

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar 
• 2 cups apple juice 
• 2 teaspoons honey 
• 6 servings kosher salt and pepper freshly ground
• 1  lemon zest grated
• 0.3 cup soya sauce low-sodium
• 0.1 teaspoon pepper flakes red
• 2 teaspoons sesame seed 
• 12  skin-on chicken drumsticks 
• 1 tablespoon butter unsalted

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• baking sheet
• oven
• wire rack

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Put the drumsticks on the rack and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
3. Bake 30 minutes; flip the drumsticks and continue baking until golden and crisp, about 30 more minutes.
4. Meanwhile, make the sauce: Bring the apple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lemon zest, red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt to a high simmer in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the sauce is syrupy and coats the back of a spoon, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside until the chicken is done.
5. Stir the sesame seeds into the sauce, if using, and warm over medium heat, if necessary.
6. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl.
7. Add the sauce and butter and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Transfer the chicken to a platter and drizzle with any remaining sauce from the bowl.
9. Photograph by Kang Kim