Caramelized BBQ Chicken Drumsticks – A Sweet and Smoky Delight

Introduction
Turn up the flavor with these caramelized BBQ chicken drumsticks! Juicy, tender, and coated in a perfectly sticky glaze, these drumsticks are a fantastic addition to your dinner table or barbecue spread. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the BBQ glaze:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce or chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel to ensure the skin crisps up during baking.
3. Toss the drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Coat evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Drumsticks

1. Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
2. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Step 3: Make the BBQ Glaze

1. While the drumsticks are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, hot sauce (if using), and Dijon mustard.
2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

1. After 25 minutes of baking, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Generously brush the BBQ glaze over each drumstick.
2. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the glaze caramelizes and the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Broil for Extra Stickiness (Optional)

1. For a rich, sticky finish, broil the drumsticks for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven.
2. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or grilled corn.

Tips for Perfect Drumsticks

• For extra flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the BBQ glaze for a few hours before baking.
• To ensure even cooking, flip the drumsticks halfway through baking.
• Adjust the sweetness or spice of the glaze by adding more honey or hot sauce to suit your taste.

Conclusion
These caramelized BBQ chicken drumsticks are the ultimate mix of sweet, smoky, and savory. Perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, they’re ideal for any meal or occasion. This recipe is simple to follow and guarantees finger-licking results every time.

Call to Action
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Tag us on social media with your delicious creations and don’t forget to save this recipe for your next meal—it’s a guaranteed hit! Enjoy!