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crispy honey bbq chicken drumsticks - featured image

Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

  • Author: Lena
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

These crispy honey BBQ chicken drumsticks feature a sticky, sweet, and smoky glaze with perfectly crackling skin and juicy meat inside. Ready in under 45 minutes, they are a crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly tangy variety recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Season the drumsticks evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, rubbing the spices gently into the skin.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, BBQ sauce, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
  5. Brush or toss the drumsticks in about half of the glaze, reserving the rest for later. Place the drumsticks on the wire rack, spacing them evenly.
  6. Bake the drumsticks for 25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even cooking.
  7. Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze for a sticky, glossy finish.
  8. Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning the glaze. The skin should be deep golden brown and sticky. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and glaze to set.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for crisp skin. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and even crisping. Apply glaze in layers for best sticky texture. Watch glaze carefully during final baking or broiling to prevent burning. Broil for last 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness but monitor closely.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken drumstick
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 15
  • Protein: 12

Keywords: honey BBQ chicken, crispy chicken drumsticks, sticky glaze chicken, easy chicken recipe, oven-baked chicken, BBQ chicken drumsticks, quick dinner, crowd-pleaser

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Find it online: https://neurioxdesign.com/crispy-honey-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-sticky-glaze-guide/