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Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks

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Honey BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky, sweet-and-smoky glaze. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a caramelized honey barbecue sauce, they make a perfect family dinner or game-day favorite.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (skin-on)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

For the honey BBQ glaze:

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (any variety)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
  2. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  3. Place drumsticks on the baking sheet and bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
  4. While chicken bakes, mix BBQ sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
  5. After 40 minutes, brush drumsticks generously with the glaze.
  6. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
  7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness.
  • Add hot sauce or cayenne to the glaze for extra heat.
  • Bake on a wire rack for crispier skin.
  • Finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
  • Works well with thighs or wings—adjust cook time accordingly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/honey-bbq-baked-chicken-drumsticks/