Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Smoky Glaze

Ingredients

BBQ chicken drumsticks:

1.5 kg chicken drumsticks (about 8 to 10 pieces)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Sticky honey BBQ glaze:

3/4 cup BBQ sauce

1/4 cup honey

2 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp tomato ketchup

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Finishing touches:

2 tbsp extra BBQ sauce, for brushing

1 tbsp honey, for drizzling

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Pat the drumsticks dry and toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper.

2. Arrange the drumsticks on a lined baking tray and roast for 25 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, make the glaze: combine the BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, garlic, butter, smoked paprika and cayenne in a pan.

4. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.

5. Brush the drumsticks generously with the glaze and return to the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, brushing once more halfway through, until the glaze is caramelized and a thermometer in the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest for 5 minutes, then drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and honey.

7. Garnish with parsley and chili flakes if using, and serve hot.

Cooking tips

Patting the drumsticks dry helps the skin crisp instead of steaming.

Glazing in the last stretch of cooking, rather than from the start, keeps the honey from burning.

Lining the tray makes cleanup easy, since the glaze gets sticky.

Frequently asked questions