Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks
Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks combine crispy, juicy chicken with a sticky glaze of sweet honey and spicy heat. This easy-to-make recipe offers a bold flavor explosion with perfectly crisp skin and tender meat inside, ideal for quick weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 drumsticks per person) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 8 fresh skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Prep Your Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to coat evenly.
- Bake Until Crispy: Arrange the drumsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for air circulation. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until skin is golden and crispy.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze: While baking, combine honey with your favorite hot sauce or chili flakes in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat while stirring until glossy and well mixed.
- Glaze and Finish: Brush the cooked drumsticks generously with the hot honey glaze. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to set a sticky, flavorful coating.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes to keep juices locked in. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Dry the skin thoroughly to ensure it crisps up well during baking.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for even heat circulation and crispier skin.
- Adjust spice level by gradually mixing in hot sauce when preparing the glaze.
- For extra sticky glaze, brush the hot honey on halfway through baking and again at the end.
- Let the drumsticks rest after baking to keep them juicy and tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: hot honey chicken, spicy chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, baked chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, weeknight dinner