Chicken Drumsticks with Honey BBQ Glaze
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken drumsticks with honey BBQ glaze are the ultimate combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. These juicy, tender drumsticks are coated in a sticky honey-infused barbecue sauce, creating a caramelized finish. Perfect for grilling or baking, this easy and family-friendly recipe is great for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 8–10 chicken drumsticks
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Drumsticks – Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Make the Glaze – Whisk together honey, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Marinate – Pour half of the glaze over the drumsticks and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Cook the Drumsticks
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place drumsticks on a lined baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium heat and cook drumsticks for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Glaze & Finish – During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining glaze onto the drumsticks to caramelize.
- Serve – Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes in the oven.
- To make the glaze thicker, simmer it over low heat until reduced.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 30min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American, BBQ
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a hassle-free recipe.
- Deliciously glazed – The honey BBQ glaze creates a caramelized, sticky coating on the drumsticks.
- Perfect for grilling or baking – You can cook these drumsticks on the grill for a smoky taste or bake them in the oven.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Great for meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken drumsticks
- Honey
- Barbecue sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the drumsticks – Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Make the glaze – In a bowl, whisk together honey, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Marinate – Pour half of the glaze over the drumsticks and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
- Cook the drumsticks –
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the drumsticks on a lined baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Grill method: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the drumsticks for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Glaze and finish – In the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the remaining honey BBQ glaze over the drumsticks, allowing it to caramelize.
- Serve – Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes (oven) or 25-30 minutes (grill)
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze for extra heat.
- Garlic Lovers – Increase the garlic powder or add freshly minced garlic for a bold flavor.
- Citrus Twist – Add a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a sweet, tangy touch.
- Keto-Friendly – Swap honey for a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup.
- Asian-Inspired – Use hoisin sauce instead of BBQ sauce and add sesame seeds for garnish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for crispy skin.
FAQs
How can I make the glaze thicker?
Simmer the glaze on low heat until it reduces and thickens.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as boneless cuts cook faster.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the drumsticks overnight for the best flavor, then cook when ready.
What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make a homemade version for a personalized taste.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Apply the glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking to avoid burning.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar work well.
What sides pair well with these drumsticks?
Coleslaw, cornbread, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes complement this dish.
Can I use skinless drumsticks?
Yes, but skin-on drumsticks provide more moisture and crispiness.
How do I know when the drumsticks are done?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
Chicken drumsticks with honey BBQ glaze are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves bold, sweet, and smoky flavors. Whether you bake them in the oven or grill them outdoors, these drumsticks are sure to be a hit. Serve them with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal!
