Honey BBQ baked chicken drumsticks are one of my favorite weeknight dinners when I want something sticky, saucy, and packed with flavor. The chicken gets baked until golden and juicy, then smothered in a sweet and tangy honey barbecue glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make and always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and flavorful these drumsticks are. Baking them keeps things mess-free, and the honey BBQ sauce gives them that perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory. The skin gets crispy in the oven while the inside stays juicy and tender. It’s a great dish for family dinners, game days, or anytime I’m craving bold, saucy chicken without needing to grill or fry.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Chicken drumsticks (skin-on for best flavor)
-
Olive oil
-
Salt
-
Black pepper
-
Garlic powder
-
Smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
For the honey BBQ glaze:
-
BBQ sauce (any kind I like)
-
Honey
-
Worcestershire sauce
-
Apple cider vinegar (optional, for a little tang)
-
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Directions
-
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
-
I pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels, then rub them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
I arrange the drumsticks on the baking sheet and bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
-
While the chicken bakes, I mix together the BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire, and vinegar in a small bowl.
-
After 40 minutes, I brush the drumsticks generously with the sauce, then return them to the oven for 10–15 more minutes, until the sauce is sticky and slightly caramelized.
-
I let them rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices stay locked in.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings (8 drumsticks). Prep takes 10 minutes, and baking takes 45–55 minutes total. I usually have the whole dish ready in just under 1 hour.
Variations
Sometimes I add a little hot sauce or cayenne to the glaze for a spicy kick. I’ve also used maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness. If I want a smoky flavor without grilling, I sprinkle on a little liquid smoke or use a smoky BBQ sauce.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. They also reheat well in an air fryer for extra crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Yes, I’ve made this with thighs and wings too—just adjust the baking time based on the size of the pieces.
How do I make the skin extra crispy?
I make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and bake it on a wire rack so the heat circulates evenly. A final broil for 2–3 minutes helps too.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes, I season the chicken and prep the glaze ahead of time. I wait to bake and sauce them until just before serving for best texture.
What sides go well with this dish?
I love pairing it with coleslaw, corn on the cob, mac and cheese, baked beans, or roasted vegetables for a full BBQ-style meal.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as I use a gluten-free BBQ sauce and double-check that all ingredients (like Worcestershire) are labeled gluten-free.
Conclusion
Honey BBQ baked chicken drumsticks are a delicious, low-effort way to bring big flavor to the table. They’re saucy, satisfying, and perfect for everything from casual dinners to game-day spreads. Whether I’m feeding the family or just craving something sweet and smoky, this recipe never disappoints.
