Japanese Mum's Chicken

My parents went to visit my brother and his family when they were living in Europe a few months ago. I was video-chatting with my mom right before dinner. She mentioned that my sister-in-law had made some delicious-looking chicken in a balsamic vinegar glaze. I asked if it was Japanese Mum's Chicken, and she said yes! Amazingly I had made the recipe before as well.

It's called Japanese Mum's Chicken because a family in Great Britain got the recipe from their Japanese foreign exchange student.  So this recipe has made its rounds around the globe.  I guess they don't call it the world wide web for nothing.

I substitute a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes instead of the chili pepper. Serve with rice (or sushi!).

Japanese Mum's Chicken
from recipezaar.com

8 chicken drumsticks, skin on
1 cup water
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 garlic clove, peeled and bruised
1 small hot chili pepper, slit open, seeds removed or a pinch of red pepper flakez

Place all the ingredients in a saucepan over a high heat.

Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes.

Remove any scum that rises to the surface.

Increase the heat, turning the drumsticks frequently in the sauce, and cook until the liquid has reduced to a sticky glaze, 20 - 30 minutes more.

Arrange the chicken on a serving platter, remove the garlic clove and chili from the liquid, and spoon the glaze over.