Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Caramelized Glaze Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an even deeper flavor profile, consider seasoning the chicken drumsticks with a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika before putting them in the oven.

This dry seasoning layer sits underneath the sweet glaze, providing a savory foundation that balances the intense sweetness of the honey and barbecue sauce combination.

If you prefer an extra-sticky coating, perform a final baste immediately after removing the drumsticks from the oven.

The residual heat of the hot chicken will slightly warm and set the fresh glaze, giving the drumsticks a highly reflective, glistening appearance that looks incredibly appetizing when served on a platter.

Variations

• Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey barbecue mixture for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken: Stir in two cloves of minced garlic or a teaspoon of garlic powder to the glaze for savory depth.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly.

To store any leftover honey barbecue chicken drumsticks, allow them to cool completely at room temperature for no more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Once cooled, transfer the drumsticks to an airtight glass or plastic container, pouring any remaining pan juices over them to keep the meat moist. Store the container in the refrigerator and consume the leftovers within three to four days for the best quality and flavor.

You can easily prepare components of this dish in advance to save time on busy nights. Whisk the barbecue sauce and honey together up to a week ahead of time and store the glaze in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

You can also pat the chicken drumsticks dry and arrange them in the roasting pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before you plan to bake them.

Serving ideas

Present these glistening, sticky drumsticks on a large platter, piled high to showcase their caramelized glaze. To balance the sweet and smoky flavors of the dish, serve them alongside classic barbecue sides such as a crisp, tangy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or baked beans.

For a casual gathering, provide plenty of wet wipes or napkins, as eating these delicious, glaze-laden drumsticks is a hands-on, wonderfully messy experience. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs if desired, or serve extra warmed glaze on the side for those who prefer an even saucier meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Caramelized Glaze

Prep 10 minCook 45 minRest 5 minTotal 1 hServes 4

Ingredients

• 3 lb chicken drumsticks, patted dry
• 1 1/2 cups smoky barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup amber honey

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture from the skin. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in an aluminum roasting pan, ensuring they do not crowd each other excessively.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the smoky barbecue sauce and amber honey. Whisk the mixture vigorously until the honey is fully incorporated and the glaze is smooth, uniform, and glossy.
3. Place the roasting pan with the dry chicken drumsticks into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the pan from the oven, and use a basting brush to coat each drumstick generously with the honey barbecue glaze on all sides.
4. Return the basted drumsticks to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, basting once more halfway through. Cook until the glaze is bubbling, deeply caramelized, and slightly charred at the edges, and the internal temperature of the poultry reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a digital thermometer.

Contains: gluten, soy, fish, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

28 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.