Name: Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken drumsticks; 1/2 cup hot honey; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Print Recipe

Picture this: juicy chicken drumsticks slathered in a sweet and spicy hot honey BBQ glaze, sizzling on the grill as the sun sets. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making your mouth water. BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls You can almost hear the happy dance of your taste buds anticipating that first bite of crispy skin and tender meat.

Now, let me take you back to a sunny summer afternoon when I first tried Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks at a family barbecue. My cousin, the self-appointed grill master, served them up with a grin, and they quickly became the star of the show. Each drumstick was like a little party on a stick, bursting with flavor and leaving everyone begging for more. Trust me; you’ll want these on your table for every occasion! For more inspiration, check out this Savory Mexican Birria Tacos recipe.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings
Their sweet and spicy flavor profile will please any crowd, leaving taste buds dancing with joy
Visually appealing with their glossy glaze, they look as good as they taste and will impress your guests
Plus, they’re versatile enough for grilling, baking, or air frying!

I remember my friends’ faces lighting up when I served these drumsticks at a game night. They were an instant hit!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Drumsticks: Opt for fresh chicken drumsticks for the best texture and flavor. Look for pieces that are plump and evenly sized.
Hot Honey: A blend of honey and chili gives it that perfect balance of sweetness and heat. You can buy it or easily make your own!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce for a flavorful base that complements the honey beautifully.
Garlic Powder: This adds depth to the marinade; opt for fresh garlic if you prefer a stronger flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta recipe.
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a lovely smoky kick that enhances the overall flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors in your chicken.
Lemon Juice: A splash adds brightness and balances out the sweetness in the sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by rinsing your chicken drumsticks under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. crispy hot mozzarella sticks This helps ensure crispy skin later on.

Make The Marinade: In a bowl, combine hot honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. homemade garlic sauce Mix until well combined; it’ll smell amazing!

Marinate The Drumsticks: Place chicken in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour marinade over the chicken and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you have time).

Preheat And Prepare Your Grill or Oven: If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F). For oven baking options, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.

Cook The Drumsticks: Grill or bake chicken for 30-35 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Turn occasionally to get that gorgeous caramelized color all around.

Sauce It Up!: In the last few minutes of cooking, brush extra hot honey BBQ sauce over each drumstick to create an irresistible glaze. Remove from heat once beautifully caramelized.

Now serve those Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks up with some coleslaw or mac ‘n’ cheese on the side! Enjoy every finger-licking moment!

You Must Know

Cooking Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is about balancing sweet, savory, and spicy flavors
The smell of honey mingling with smoky BBQ creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen
Perfect for game day or backyard barbecues, these drumsticks will steal the show

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly cooked Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, start by marinating the chicken overnight. Preheat your grill to medium heat, then cook the drumsticks for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider adding crushed garlic or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the marinade for extra depth. You can also swap honey for maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous—it’s surprisingly delicious!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving
For extra flavor, baste with sauce during the last few minutes of cooking
Letting the drumsticks rest allows juices to settle, ensuring moist bites every time

Cooking these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks reminds me of a summer cookout where everyone couldn’t stop raving about them. Turkey Taco Rice Bowl recipe The smiles around the table are priceless!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Yes, this recipe works well with thighs or wings; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make it spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a kick.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.