Too hot to turn on the oven? These Grilled Honey BBQ Drumsticks are the perfect summer solution.
They are sticky, sweet, and wonderfully tender. Your whole family will love this easy outdoor meal. It is simple and delicious for a busy night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy summer nights. It uses affordable pantry staples you likely have on hand. The honey creates a beautiful golden glaze that kids adore. You can get dinner on the table in under 45 minutes. It is the ultimate stress-free meal for your next family BBQ.
Simple Method
Making these drumsticks is incredibly straightforward and beginner-friendly. You simply whisk the sauce and coat the chicken. The grill does all the hard work for you. Even if you are new to grilling, you can do this. It is a foolproof way to get juicy results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh chicken meets a sweet and tangy homemade glaze.
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
- 0.25 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure even browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Reserve 0.25 cup of the sauce mixture for final basting and set aside.
- Toss the drumsticks in the remaining sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Place the drumsticks on the preheated grill grates.
- Grill the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, turning every 5 to 7 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- During the last 5 to 10 minutes of grilling, brush the reserved sauce onto the drumsticks.
- Verify the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant-read thermometer before removing from the grill.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these drumsticks warm with a side of creamy potato salad. They also pair perfectly with grilled corn on the cob. For a fresh touch, add a crisp garden salad. Set the picnic table and enjoy a relaxed family dinner outdoors. Don’t forget plenty of napkins for those sticky fingers!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. This helps keep the skin from getting soggy. You can also enjoy them cold for a quick summer lunch.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip drying the chicken with paper towels first.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking the meat.
- Always reserve some sauce for that final glossy coating.
- Keep the grill lid closed between turns to maintain heat.
- For a summer twist, add a squeeze of fresh lime.
- Clean your grill grates before starting to prevent sticking.
- Let the chicken rest so the juices stay inside.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Swap the honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- In winter, bake these in the oven at 400°F instead.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker, juicier meat.
Quick Answers
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken in sauce a few hours early. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to grill. This makes entertaining much easier for you.
Will kids like this recipe?
Yes, children usually love the sweet and sticky honey glaze. It is a very kid-approved dinner option. The mild spices are flavorful but not hot.
I hope these Grilled Honey BBQ Drumsticks bring a smile to your face. They are the perfect way to enjoy a warm summer evening. Give them a try tonight!
— Lidia
Grilled Honey BBQ Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumstick s
- 0.5 cup barbecue sauce
- 0.25 cup hone y
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon sal t
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure even browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Reserve 0.25 cup of the sauce mixture for final basting and set aside.
- Toss the drumsticks in the remaining sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Place the drumsticks on the preheated grill grates.
- Grill the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, turning every 5 to 7 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- During the last 5 to 10 minutes of grilling, brush the reserved sauce onto the drumsticks.
- Verify the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant-read thermometer before removing from the grill.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
