Name: Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks.
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 Chicken Drumsticks (See Notes); Oil For Frying (See Notes); 2 tbsp Plain flour; 2 tbsp Corn Flour; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Pepper; 1 tsp Paprika; 1 Egg; 1 tbsp Oil; 1 tbsp Oil; 1 tbsp Chopped Garlic; 1 tbsp Soya Sauce; 2 tbsp Tomatoe Ketchup; 3 tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce; 1 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tsp Vinegar; 1 tbsp Honey; Seasame Seeds; Spring onion finely sliced; Red Chilli finely Sliced (Optional)

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If you’re after a quick and satisfying dinner with bold flavours, these crispy fried sweet chilli chicken drumsticks are the answer. Lightly seasoned and shallow-fried until golden and crunchy, then coated in a sticky, flavoursome sweet and sour sauce, they hit the perfect balance of sweetness, gentle heat, and tang.

This easy 30-minute chicken drumstick recipe brings you that irresistible, finger-licking flavour you will love. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast, crispy, and packed with flavour.

If bold, vibrant flavours and quick meals are your thing, you’re in for a treat. These dishes are packed with spicy-sweet sauces and finger-licking textures, coming together faster than you’d expect. This recipe fits right in with delicious favourites like Chilli Garlic Prawns, Black Pepper Chicken, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, and Cashew Chicken—meals that make weeknights easier and more exciting.

Crispy fried sweet chilli chicken drumsticks coated in sticky sweet and sour sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh spring onions

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What do you need for Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks

Chicken:

Chicken drumsticks – I used skinless drumsticks but you can choose skin on if you prefer. Infact skin-on drumsticks work best because the skin helps lock in moisture while crisping beautifully during frying.

For the Marinade (crispy coating):

Plain flour – Forms the base of the coating and gives the chicken structure.
Cornflour (cornstarch) – Makes the crust extra light and crispy, just like restaurant-style fried chicken.
Egg – Helps the coating stick to the chicken so it doesn’t fall off during frying.
Salt – Enhances all the flavours in the chicken and the coating.
Paprika – Adds a mild smokiness and subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper – Balances the flavours with a gentle heat.
Oil for frying – Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, to ensure even, golden frying without burning.

For the Sweet Chilli Sauce:

Oil – Helps release the flavours of the garlic and blends the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Garlic – Infuses the sauce with a rich, aromatic base flavour.
Soy sauce – Adds depth, saltiness, and umami that balances the sweetness.
Tomato ketchup – Provides tangy sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
Honey – Creates that sticky glaze and natural sweetness that clings to the chicken.
Vinegar – Cuts through the sweetness with a sharp tang, balancing the flavours.
Brown sugar – Deepens the sweetness and gives the sauce a richer, caramelised note.

For Garnish:

Fresh red chilli – Adds colour and a gentle fresh heat.
Spring onions – Bring a crisp, fresh bite that brightens the dish.
Sesame seeds – Give a nutty aroma and subtle crunch.

Crispy Sweet Chilli Chicken drumsticks in a platter

How to make Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks

This quick and easy sweet chilli chicken drumsticks recipe comes together in three simple steps — marinate, fry, and coat in sauce. The chicken is first marinated to lock in flavour and help the coating stick, then fried until golden and crispy, and finally tossed in a sticky sweet chilli sauce that gives it its signature flavour.

Although this recipe uses chicken drumsticks, it also works beautifully with chicken wings or boneless chicken thighs. You can make it with skin-on chicken for extra crispiness, or skinless if you prefer a lighter option.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The drumsticks are coated in a seasoned marinade made with plain flour, cornflour, salt, paprika, black pepper, egg, and a little oil. This mix ensures the coating turns golden and crunchy when fried.

For the best flavour, marinate for around 30 minutes, but if you’re short on time, even 10 minutes will still give you delicious results.

Step 2: Fry Until Crispy

For this crispy fried chicken drumsticks recipe, shallow frying works perfectly and keeps the oil use minimal. Heat the oil in a large pan, then reduce to medium heat once hot to prevent burning.

Shallow frying takes about 25 minutes for the chicken to cook through, while deep frying can be done in roughly 15 minutes. Either way, you’re aiming for a golden-brown crust and juicy meat inside.

Step 3: Getting the Sauce Just Right

The heart of these sticky sweet chilli chicken drumsticks is the sauce — a perfect balance of sweetness, gentle heat, and tang. It’s made with garlic, soy sauce, tomato ketchup, sweet chilli sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and honey, creating a glossy glaze that clings to every piece of chicken.

Keep in mind that different brands of tomato ketchup vary in sweetness, so taste and adjust as you go. If you prefer a spicier kick, swap the ketchup for sriracha sauce or add extra chilli flakes. For a milder version, stick with ketchup and sweet chilli sauce as your base.

Once the chicken is fried until golden and crispy, toss it in the hot sauce so every drumstick is coated evenly. Finish with a garnish of sesame seeds, fresh spring onions, and sliced red chilli for that final pop of flavour, colour, and crunch.

Marinating the chicken and Shallow frying chicken drumsticks in hot oil until golden and crispy for sweet chilli chicken recipe

Preparation of sauce and golden crispy chicken drumstick being coated in homemade sweet chilli sauce

Serving Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks

These crispy fried sweet chilli chicken drumsticks are perfect with a variety of sides. For a classic pairing, serve them with steamed jasmine rice or flavourful Vegetable fried rice to soak up the sticky sweet chilli sauce.

If you’re looking for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice as a lighter alternative. Stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, or snow peas also work beautifully, adding freshness and crunch to balance the rich, tangy glaze.

Crispy sweet chilli chicken drumsticks served with steamed jasmine rice a

Watch How to Make Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks

Some FAQs About Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks

1. What cut of chicken works best for sweet chilli chicken?
While this recipe uses drumsticks, you can easily swap them for chicken thighs, wings, or drumettes. All of these cuts work well because they stay juicy when cooked and hold up to the sticky sweet chilli sauce.

2. Can I make sweet chilli chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
Yes! To air fry, preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F), arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer, and cook for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Once crispy, toss the chicken in the sauce just before serving. Air frying is a great way to enjoy this recipe with less oil while keeping that satisfying crunch.

3. How can I make my sweet chilli chicken drumsticks spicier?
For extra heat, add chilli flakes, sliced fresh chilli, or swap the tomato ketchup in the sauce for sriracha. You can also mix a little extra sweet chilli sauce with hot sauce to boost the spice level.

4. Can I prepare sweet chilli chicken drumsticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge until ready to fry. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days — just reheat before tossing with the chicken.

5. How do I keep the chicken crispy after adding the sauce?
For the crispiest results, toss the fried chicken in the sauce right before serving. If the chicken sits in the sauce for too long, it will soften, so keep them separate until you’re ready to eat.