Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks—sticky, sweet, smoky, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or game-day meal.
🍯 Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients (for 6–8 drumsticks)
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
🥣 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (optional but helps crisp the skin).
2. Season the Chicken
- Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Rub seasoning all over the drumsticks.
- Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat evenly.
3. Bake the Drumsticks
- Place drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet/rack.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until skin starts to crisp.
4. Glaze with Honey BBQ
- In a small bowl, mix barbecue sauce and honey.
- Brush generously over the drumsticks.
- Return to oven and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, brushing halfway through, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and caramelized.
5. Serve
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
✨ Tips & Variations
- Spicy kick: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze.
- Extra sticky: Broil 1–2 minutes at the end for a caramelized finish.
- Oven-free: Can be done on a grill over medium heat, turning and glazing every 5–7 minutes.
- Meal prep: These drumsticks store well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat nicely.
I can also make a one-pan sheet-pan version with vegetables for a full meal in the oven if you want. Do you want me to do that?
