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Savory Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe For Crispy Glazed Perfection

honey BBQ chicken drumsticks - featured image

Crispy chicken drumsticks glazed with a sticky, sweet, and smoky honey BBQ sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (34 lbs / 1.41.8 kg), skin-on
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (120ml), smoky variety
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Place the drumsticks on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, spacing them out so they’re not touching.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes until the skin starts to turn golden and crispy.
  6. While baking, warm honey, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until smooth and slightly runny (about 1-2 minutes). Stir well.
  7. Remove drumsticks from oven and brush generously with the honey BBQ glaze on all sides.
  8. Return the glazed drumsticks to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and glaze is sticky and caramelized. Optionally broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispness, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes on the rack before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispy skin. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and even crisping. Glaze the chicken after initial baking to avoid burning sugars. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Broil carefully for extra crispness. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, baked chicken, BBQ glaze, easy dinner, family recipe