Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are one of those simple summer recipes that always disappears fast at cookouts, backyard gatherings, and family dinners. Tender chicken drumsticks are coated in a sweet and smoky homemade honey barbecue glaze, then baked until sticky, caramelized, and full of flavor.

This easy barbecue chicken recipe is budget-friendly, family-friendly, and perfect for Memorial Day weekend, summer picnics, potlucks, and busy weeknight dinners.

Serve them with baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, or corn on the cob for the ultimate summer meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy oven-baked recipe
• Budget-friendly family dinner
• Perfect for cookouts and summer gatherings
• Sweet and smoky sticky barbecue glaze
• Great make-ahead meal
• No grill required
• Crispy edges with juicy tender chicken

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks pair perfectly with:

• Creamy potato salad
• Macaroni salad
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Homemade dinner rolls
• Coleslaw
• Watermelon
• Pasta salad

Optional Variations

Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze.

Garlic Butter BBQ Drumsticks

Brush drumsticks with melted garlic butter before adding barbecue sauce.

Slow Cooker Version

Cook drumsticks in slow cooker on LOW for 4–5 hours, then broil with sauce until sticky.

Grilled BBQ Drumsticks

Grill over medium heat, turning often and brushing with sauce during the final minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes. Bone-in chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the chicken ahead and reheat while brushing with extra sauce before serving.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Do not overbake. Chicken drumsticks stay juicy when cooked to 165°F.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Store cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Jana Rae

Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Sticky Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are sweet, smoky, tender, and perfect for summer cookouts, Memorial Day gatherings, and easy family dinners. This easy oven-baked barbecue chicken recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

12 chicken drumsticks

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Line a large baking sheet or baking pan with foil for easier cleanup. Lightly grease pan.
3. Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
4. Place drumsticks into a large bowl.
5. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss until evenly coated.
7. Arrange drumsticks onto prepared baking pan in a single layer.
8. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
9. While chicken bakes, prepare the honey barbecue sauce.
10. In a medium bowl whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
11. Remove chicken from oven after 30 minutes.
12. Brush drumsticks generously with honey BBQ sauce.
13. Return to oven and bake another 15–25 minutes, brushing with additional sauce halfway through baking.
14. Chicken is finished when the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
15. Allow chicken to rest about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry helps the skin crisp better while baking.

 

For extra sticky drumsticks, brush with one final layer of sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.

 

Use your favorite barbecue sauce for different flavor variations.

 

These drumsticks can also be grilled instead of baked.

 

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

There is something about sticky barbecue chicken in the summertime that simply feels nostalgic. The sweet smoky smell coming from the oven, the sticky sauce on your fingers, and a table full of simple side dishes feels like the beginning of summer itself.

These easy honey BBQ drumsticks are the kind of comforting meal people gather around.

Simple food. Full plates. Open windows. Long summer evenings.

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