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Savory Honey Bourbon Glazed BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

honey bourbon glazed bbq chicken drumsticks - featured image
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Juicy chicken drumsticks glazed with a sweet and savory honey bourbon barbecue sauce, perfect for summer cookouts and easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/3 cup bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark)
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (smoky and tangy preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, barbecue sauce, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes if using. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add drumsticks in a single layer without crowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare grill for indirect medium heat.
  5. Transfer seared drumsticks to a foil-lined baking sheet or place on grill’s indirect heat side. Brush generously with the honey bourbon glaze.
  6. Bake or grill for 20-25 minutes, turning and glazing every 7-8 minutes until cooked through and glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  7. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If unavailable, cut into thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
  8. Let drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with extra glaze for dipping.

Notes

Patience with searing is key for flavor and texture. Keep heat moderate to prevent glaze burning. Turn and baste often for sticky, caramelized coating. Use thick BBQ sauce for best glaze adherence. Can substitute bourbon with apple cider vinegar or whiskey, or use apple juice and vanilla extract for alcohol-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, honey bourbon glaze, chicken drumsticks, summer recipe, easy BBQ, grilled chicken, baked chicken

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/savory-honey-bourbon-glazed-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-perfect-bbq-drumsticks-for-summer/