Apple Honey Drumsticks

I found a new recipe, and tried it out on the family last night.  It was delicious!

Apple Honey Drumsticks

12 skin-on chicken drumsticks

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground pepper, to taste

2 c. apple juice

1/2 c. apple cider vinegar

1/4 c. soy sauce

2 tsp. honey

grated zest of 1 lemon

1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes

2 tsp. sesame seeds

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet.  Put the drumsticks on the rack and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.  Bake 30 minutes.  Flip and cook 30 minutes more until drumsticks are golden and crisp.  While the chicken is cooking make the sauce.  In a large skillet, combine apple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, honey, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.  Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Once it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the sauce is very syrupy and reduced (20-25 minutes).  Stir the sesame seeds into the sauce.  Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl.  Add the sauce and butter and toss to coat.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.  Transfer the chicken to a platter, spooning sauce over the chicken.