Description
Savory-sweet chicken drumsticks with a caramelized glaze of barbecue sauce, honey, and spices. Perfect for backyard barbecues or festive meals, these drumsticks combine crispy skin with juicy meat through a two-stage cooking method (baking then broiling).
Ingredients
4 large chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
3/4 cup barbecue sauce (tomato-based with vinegar)
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp packed brown sugar
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp paprika (smoked for extra depth)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent burning
Place drumsticks on tray and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
Mix barley sauce, honey, and brown sugar in a bowl
Brush glaze over drumsticks at the start and halfway through baking
Bake for 45 minutes
Switch to broil, glaze again, and cook 3–5 minutes until sticky and caramelized
Notes
Use skin-on drumsticks for optimal crispiness
Brining the chicken improves moisture retention
Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar/honey if using a sweeter sauce
Avoid dried herbs to maintain glaze consistency
Serve with cornbread or grilled vegetables to complement the smoky sweetness
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large drumstick
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg