Prep the ingredients: Gather and measure all your ingredients before you start cooking. Peel and slice the ginger, mince the garlic, and have your seasonings ready to go. This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free!

Sauté the aromatics and sear the chicken: Heat some oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Stir fry the green onions, ginger slices, and minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the drumsticks and sear them until they’re golden brown on all sides. This step helps lock in the juices and gives the chicken a richer flavor.

Build the sauce: Pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and oyster sauce. Stir well to combine everything. Then, add the brown sugar, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, star anise, and water. This creates the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and spiced flavors.

Simmer the chicken: Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and let it cook over medium heat for 35 minutes. Turn the drumsticks occasionally so they soak up all that delicious braising liquid.

Reduce the sauce: Once the chicken is tender, remove the lid and turn up the heat slightly. Let the sauce reduce and thicken for another 5–10 minutes. This gives the dish a rich, glossy finish that coats the chicken nicely.

Serve and enjoy: Turn off the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions, then serve with steamed rice or noodles to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce. Enjoy!