Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are like a sweet, sticky hug from the grill. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken, coated in a glaze that’s equal parts spicy and sweet. perfect side for BBQ chicken Each bite explodes with flavor, as the honey mingles with smoky BBQ goodness, creating a culinary experience that dances on your taste buds.
This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a cozy family dinner, or even just because you deserve a treat! I can still remember the first time I brought these drumsticks to my family’s summer cookout; they disappeared faster than I could say “hot honey.”
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- Their flavor profile balances sweet and spicy in every delicious bite
- Visually stunning with their golden glaze, they’ll impress anyone at your dinner table
- Versatile enough to serve with various sides or as a delightful snack
I’ll never forget the look of pure bliss on my cousin’s face when he took his first bite of these drumsticks.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious dessert option. vegan dessert alternative.
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Chicken Drumsticks: Opt for fresh drumsticks for the juiciest flavor; frozen ones will work but may require longer cooking times.
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Hot Honey: Choose your favorite brand or DIY with honey and chili flakes; it adds the perfect kick.
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BBQ Sauce: Use your preferred brand; a tangy sauce complements the sweetness of the honey beautifully.
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Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic works too, but garlic powder ensures an even distribution of flavor.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on these – they elevate the overall taste.
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Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps crisp up the skin while adding richness to each bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken drumsticks with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin that everyone loves.
Marinate with Flavor: In a large bowl, mix hot honey and BBQ sauce. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss in the drumsticks until fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat Your Oven or Grill: If using an oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C). For grilling enthusiasts, prepare your grill for medium heat. This ensures even cooking throughout.
Bake or Grill Them Up!: Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly onto the grill grates. Cook for about 25-30 minutes until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Add Extra Sauce (if you dare): Five minutes before they’re done cooking, brush additional hot honey BBQ sauce on top for an extra layer of flavor. This creates a sticky glaze that’s irresistible!
Serve and Enjoy!: Once cooked through, remove from heat and let rest for five minutes before digging in. Serve these beauties hot with your favorite sides like coleslaw or cornbread.
Now that we’ve gone through all the steps together let’s get cooking! These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are bound to become a staple at your table! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe.
You Must Know
- The secret to juicy Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks lies in marinating them overnight
- This adds flavor and tenderness, ensuring every bite is a taste explosion
- Also, don’t forget to baste them while grilling for sticky goodness that’ll have everyone begging for more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating your chicken drumsticks in the hot honey BBQ sauce for at least an hour, preferably overnight. Preheat your grill to medium heat, then cook the drumsticks for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve that golden-brown color. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice things up! Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat. You can also swap out honey for maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous or want a different sweetness profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F internally for safety
- Letting the drumsticks rest after cooking ensures juiciness stays locked in
- For extra flavor, brush on more sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to caramelize it beautifully
It was a backyard barbecue with friends when I first made these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. The smiles and compliments were worth every sticky finger and messy napkin—it turned into a cherished recipe that always brings everyone together. sweet dessert to finish the meal.
FAQ
How long should I marinate Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks?
Marinating them for at least one hour is essential; overnight is even better.
Can I bake these chicken drumsticks instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 35-40 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
What can I serve with Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks?
Pair them with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal experience.
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the sweet and spicy flavors of Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. These juicy, tender drumsticks are coated in a sticky glaze that combines the warmth of hot honey with rich BBQ sauce. Perfect for any occasion, from backyard cookouts to family dinners, they promise a delightful culinary experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken drumsticks (fresh)
- 1/2 cup hot honey
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken drumsticks.
- In a large bowl, combine hot honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat or oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place drumsticks on the grill or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cook for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Five minutes before finishing, brush additional sauce on drumsticks for extra flavor.
- Allow to rest for five minutes before serving with your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For extra kick, add chili flakes to the marinade. Swap honey with maple syrup for a different flavor twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat at 350°F for crispiness.