These skillet teriyaki chicken drumsticks are a no-fuss one pan recipe prepared on the stove top. The tender, moist chicken drumsticks are coated with an irresistible sticky teriyaki glaze made with pineapple juice.
To make teriyaki sauce, combine soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, rice wine (if using), garlic, ginger paste, sesame oil, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl and mix well.
Place chicken drumsticks in a shallow pan or skillet. Pour the sauce over the drumsticks.
Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil. Toss the chicken around and cover the pan with a lid (or a piece of foil). Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5-6 minutes.
Uncover the lid and turn the chicken to the other side in the sauce. Cover again ands cook another 5-6 minutes.
Remove the lid and raise the heat to medium high. The sauce will start to boil rapidly. Continue cooking to thicken the sauce. It will soon turn into teriyaki glaze. Toss the chicken occasionally to coat evenly as you thicken the glaze. Be careful not to burn the glaze. You might need to reduce the heat at the last minute.
When the glaze seems thick enough and clings to the chicken, and the bottom of the pan has become slightly dry, remove the pan from the heat. Place teriyaki chicken drumsticks on a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm with rice.
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Notes
Remove skin from chicken drumsticks: It’s optional to do so but I recommend it -- removing the skin will reduce the amount of fat and makes the teriyaki glaze brighter and cleaner. You can use a paper towel to hold the drumsticks and peel off the skin. Or use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut off the skin.