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Close-up of sticky honey BBQ chicken drumsticks on a rustic wooden board, coated in glossy caramelized sauce with charred edges, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh parsley, with a bowl of BBQ sauce in the background.
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
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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

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.