Cherry Cranberry Glazed Drumsticks

This succulent cherry-cranberry glazed chicken has become my family's favorite weekend dinner, combining the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that caramelize beautifully on juicy drumsticks. The vibrant fruity glaze transforms ordinary chicken into a memorable meal that looks as impressive as it tastes.

I first created this recipe when cherries were overflowing at our farmers market last summer. What started as an experiment with leftover preserves has become our most requested dinner when guests come over. The combination of cherry and cranberry creates a uniquely vibrant flavor that elevates humble drumsticks to dinner party status.

Ingredients

• chicken drumsticks: 8 drumsticks about 2.2 pounds. Look for plump ones with smooth skin for best results
• Salt and black pepper: for seasoning the base. Kosher salt works particularly well here
• Cherry preserves: provide the sweet foundation. Choose a quality brand with visible fruit pieces for best flavor
• Cranberry sauce: adds tanginess. Either whole berry or jellied works beautifully
• Balsamic vinegar: brings depth and acidity. Use an aged variety if you have it
• Soy sauce: adds umami richness. Choose gluten free if needed
• Honey: enhances the stickiness of the glaze. Local honey adds subtle flavor nuances
• Fresh garlic and ginger: create an aromatic base. Always use freshly minced for brightest flavor
• Smoked paprika: adds subtle smokiness. Spanish varieties offer the richest flavor
• Fresh parsley and dried cherries: for garnish add color and textural contrast

Instructions

Prep and Season:

Pat those drumsticks completely dry with paper towels which ensures the seasoning sticks properly and promotes better browning. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides making sure to get into all the crevices of the chicken. This creates the flavor foundation that will complement the sweet glaze.

Create the Glaze:

Combine cherry preserves cranberry sauce balsamic vinegar soy sauce honey minced garlic grated ginger and smoked paprika in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly thickened but still easily brushable. The heat activates the aromatics and helps the flavors meld beautifully. You should see small bubbles forming around the edges as it simmers.

First Glaze and Bake:

Arrange your seasoned drumsticks on a prepared baking sheet leaving about an inch between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Brush generously with half of your prepared glaze ensuring you cover all sides. The first layer of glaze will penetrate the chicken as it cooks creating flavor from within.

Flip and Glaze Again:

After 20 minutes of baking use tongs to carefully flip each drumstick. This ensures even cooking and caramelization. Apply another generous layer of glaze which will create that beautiful sticky exterior. The double glazing process is key to building layers of flavor.

Final Touches:

Once the chicken reaches 165°F internally remove from the oven and immediately brush with any remaining glaze while the chicken is still hot. This final layer of glaze creates that irresistible sticky finish. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes which allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum juiciness.

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The combination of cherry and cranberry creates a perfect sweet tart balance that makes these drumsticks irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how the glaze caramelizes during baking creating those deliciously sticky bits that everyone fights over. My daughter always claims she can taste the cherries even though they melt into the sauce which tells me the fruity essence really does shine through.

Make Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the glaze up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use simply warm it slightly to restore its brushable consistency. You can also season the chicken and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking which actually helps the seasoning penetrate more deeply. The finished drumsticks reheat beautifully in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes making them ideal for busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions

These glazed drumsticks pair beautifully with simple sides that complement their sweet tangy profile. Try serving them with fluffy coconut rice which soaks up the extra glaze perfectly. For a complete meal add a simple green vegetable like roasted broccoli or a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken. During summer months these drumsticks are fantastic with grilled corn on the cob and a cucumber salad. For entertaining arrange them on a platter over a bed of fresh herbs for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests.

Ingredient Substitutions

No cherry preserves? Substitute with raspberry or apricot jam for equally delicious results

Cranberry sauce can be replaced with orange marmalade or red currant jelly

For a spicy kick add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the glaze

Maple syrup works beautifully in place of honey for a different dimension of sweetness

Drumsticks can be swapped for chicken thighs just adjust cooking time accordingly about 5 to 7 minutes longer

Seasonal Adaptations

Summer version Use 1 cup of fresh pitted cherries simmered down instead of preserves

Fall harvest Incorporate a tablespoon of apple cider and cinnamon for warming notes

Winter holiday Add a tablespoon of orange zest and a pinch of cloves for festive flavor

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For the crispiest skin pat the drumsticks extremely dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. The glaze will caramelize better on dry skin and with proper air circulation. Reserve a few tablespoons of glaze that never touches raw chicken to brush on just before serving for an extra glossy finish that really makes the flavor pop.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I ensure the drumsticks are fully cooked?

Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear near the bone.

→ Can I substitute cherry preserves with another ingredient?

Cherry jam or fresh cherries work well as substitutes, adjusting sweetness as needed.

→ What can I serve with these glazed drumsticks?

Pair them with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

→ How can I add more char to the drumsticks?

Broil the drumsticks for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking for a deeper caramelized finish.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as gluten-free soy sauce is used. Always check product labels to confirm.

→ Can dried or fresh cherries be used for garnish?

Both options are great; dried cherries add chewy sweetness while fresh cherries give a juicy burst.