Description
These crispy chicken drumsticks are coated in a sticky, sweet-spicy honey garlic BBQ glaze, delivering a perfect balance of crispy skin and bold flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for casual gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Instructions
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, chili flakes, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Place the drumsticks skin-side up on the wire rack, spacing evenly to allow air circulation.
- Bake for 25 minutes uncovered until the skin starts to crisp and brown.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons honey with a little extra garlic if desired. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Remove drumsticks from the oven and brush generously with the honey garlic glaze. Return to the oven and broil on high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a drumstick; it should read 165°F (74°C). If not, bake a few minutes longer.
- Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
Patting the chicken dry before marinating is crucial for crispy skin. Use a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess. Brush the honey garlic glaze near the end and broil carefully to avoid burning the sugars. Rest the drumsticks before serving to lock in juices. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Maple syrup can replace honey but may alter the glaze texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 28
Keywords: chicken drumsticks, honey garlic chicken, BBQ chicken, crispy chicken, spicy chicken, easy dinner, backyard BBQ