Sticky Oven-Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
A Finger-Licking Family Favorite!
There’s something irresistible about juicy, oven-baked chicken drumsticks generously coated in a sweet, sticky honey barbecue glaze. Perfectly seasoned, baked until crispy, and smothered in luscious BBQ sauce, these drumsticks are ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or game-day feasts. Easy, no-fry, and packed with bold flavor—this recipe is guaranteed to become a family staple.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2–3 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 12–16 pieces)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Honey BBQ Glaze:
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1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
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½ cup honey
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)
Prep & Cook Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Servings: 6 servings (about 2–3 drumsticks each)
Equipment Needed
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Baking tray or sheet pan
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Aluminum foil or parchment paper
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Large mixing bowl
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Small saucepan
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Kitchen brush or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Line a baking tray with foil and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season Chicken
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In a large bowl, toss drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 3: Initial Baking
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Arrange seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared tray.
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Bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking and crispiness.
Step 4: Prepare Glaze
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While chicken bakes, combine barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and optional hot sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly.
Step 5: Glaze & Final Bake
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Brush drumsticks generously with the honey BBQ glaze.
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Return to oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze caramelizes.
Tip: For extra crispiness, broil the drumsticks for the final 2–3 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Delicious alongside:
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Creamy coleslaw
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Mac and cheese
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Cornbread or biscuits
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Fresh garden salad
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Roasted vegetables or corn on the cob
Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crispy and warmed through.
Pro Tips
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Choose drumsticks of similar size for even cooking.
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For deeper flavor, marinate the seasoned drumsticks in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking.
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Feel free to adjust hot sauce based on your spice preference—omit for mild, add extra for heat lovers.
Sticky Oven-Baked Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Baking tray or sheet pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Kitchen brush or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 –3 lbs chicken drumsticks 12–16 pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Honey BBQ Glaze:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line and lightly grease a baking tray.
- In a bowl, toss drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Arrange evenly on tray.
- Bake drumsticks 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Meanwhile, simmer barbecue sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce until thickened (5–7 min).
- Brush drumsticks generously with glaze. Bake additional 10–15 min until caramelized and cooked through (165°F internal). Broil briefly if desired.