Tender and slightly sweet with a fiery kick, Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect dish for a casual dinner, game day, or any occasion that calls for comfort food. The combination of honey and hot sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, making these drumsticks a hit with the whole family. With simple ingredients and quick prep time, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 350
- Protein: 25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Sodium: 500 mg
Why Make This Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks
Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks are not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The honey adds a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the heat from the hot sauce, resulting in a dish that balances savory and spicy. Plus, you can customize the level of heat to suit your taste buds, allowing everyone to enjoy these scrumptious drumsticks.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crispen the chicken skin.
Step 2: Mixing
- In a bowl, mix together the honey, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This mixture will form a sticky and flavorful glaze that makes the chicken irresistible.
Step 3: Coating
- Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Brush the honey mixture generously over the drumsticks, ensuring they are fully coated to capture all the flavors.
Step 4: Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the skin is golden and crispy. Turn the drumsticks once halfway through cooking to get an even color and texture.
Step 5: Finishing
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving to add a touch of color.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks
Serve these Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks with a side of coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted veggies for a comforting meal. They also make a great snack for parties, paired with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. Feel free to serve them with a fresh salad for a lighter option.
How to Store Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks
To store any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to retain the crispiness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce according to your preference. You can also use your favorite hot sauce to personalize the flavor.
- If you want a glaze, brush additional honey onto the chicken in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- If you don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup can be used as a substitute for a different but delicious flavor.
Delicious Variations
- BBQ Variation: Swap out the hot sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy Garlic: Add freshly minced garlic or increase the garlic powder for an extra punch.
- Sweet and Sour: Mix some soy sauce with the honey and hot sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other chicken parts instead of drumsticks? Yes! You can use chicken thighs or wings, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the hot sauce you choose does not contain gluten. Always check labels.
- What do I do if I don’t have hot sauce? You can make your own by mixing cayenne pepper with vinegar or use Sriracha for a sweet, garlicky alternative.
- How do I know when the drumsticks are fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Can I grill these drumsticks instead of baking? Absolutely! Grill them over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning frequently for even cooking.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks are a delightful combination of sweet and spicy that everyone will love. With an easy prep process and minimal ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that impresses without the fuss. So grab some chicken and get started—your taste buds are in for a treat! Whether you serve them for dinner or at the next big game, these drumsticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, so enjoy every crispy, sticky bite!
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Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Tender and slightly sweet with a fiery kick, Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for casual dinners and game days, featuring a delicious glaze made from honey and hot sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the honey, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the honey mixture generously over the drumsticks.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden and crispy; turn once halfway through cooking.
- Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can adjust the heat level by varying the hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
