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Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks

Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks
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Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks perfectly combine tender, juicy chicken with a sticky honey glaze and a spicy kick from chili flakes or hot sauce. This easy-to-make, family-friendly recipe delivers bold flavors balanced between sweet and heat, ideal for casual dinners or gatherings. Crispy on the outside and flavorful inside, these drumsticks are sure to become a favorite comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 8 fresh, skin-on chicken drumsticks

Hot Honey Sauce

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1–2 teaspoons chili flakes or 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful base.
  2. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan or bowl, combine honey with your choice of hot sauce or chili flakes. Add a splash of lemon juice if using, and stir until fully blended. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the drumsticks on all sides until golden and slightly crispy. This step locks in juices and builds great texture.
  4. Bake the Drumsticks: Transfer the browned drumsticks to a baking dish. Brush generously with the hot honey sauce. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, basting occasionally with remaining sauce to keep them sticky and flavorful.
  5. Final Glaze and Serve: Once cooked through and caramelized, remove from oven and brush with any leftover hot honey glaze. Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Notes

  • Dry the skin thoroughly to ensure crispiness when searing and baking.
  • Adjust heat gradually to balance sweetness and spice.
  • Baste often during baking to keep drumsticks moist and flavorful.
  • Use a meat thermometer to cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Let the drumsticks rest before serving to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot honey chicken, spicy chicken drumsticks, sticky honey glaze, sweet and spicy chicken, baked chicken drumsticks, family dinner chicken

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/hot-honey-chicken-drumsticks/