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Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 fresh skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 12 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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: hot honey chicken, spicy chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, baked chicken, sweet and spicy chicken, weeknight dinner