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Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Perfect Sticky Honey Glaze

crispy grilled bbq chicken drumsticks - featured image
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Crispy grilled chicken drumsticks with a sticky honey glaze that balances smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/4 cup honey (preferably raw or local)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. (5 minutes)
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks, then sprinkle salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Toss well to coat evenly. (5 minutes)
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). Clean and oil the grates. (10 minutes)
  4. Place drumsticks on the grill with space between each piece. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes until golden brown with grill marks. (15 minutes)
  5. While grilling, mix honey, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. (5 minutes)
  6. Brush the honey glaze generously on each drumstick. Continue grilling for another 5-7 minutes, turning and basting every 2 minutes until glaze thickens and becomes sticky. Watch closely to avoid burning. (7 minutes)
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C) or cut into one drumstick to ensure juices run clear. (2 minutes)
  8. Remove drumsticks from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. (5 minutes)

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Apply honey glaze halfway through grilling and baste frequently to avoid burning. Use indirect heat if glaze starts to burn. Let drumsticks rest 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices. Can be baked at 425°F for 35-40 minutes if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken drumsticks, BBQ chicken, honey glaze, crispy chicken, summer recipe, backyard grilling, easy dinner

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/crispy-grilled-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-perfect-sticky-honey-glaze/