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Flavorful Grilled Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Easy Spicy Jalapeño Glaze

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These grilled honey BBQ chicken drumsticks are tender, juicy, and coated with a sticky, sweet, and spicy jalapeño glaze that’s perfect for any cookout or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (smoky, slightly tangy variety like Stubb’s)
  • 2 medium jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh lime juice or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra zing

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken drumsticks with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. In a bowl, combine honey, BBQ sauce, finely chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Stir well until smooth. Adjust heat by adding more jalapeño or cayenne if desired.
  3. Optional: Toss the seasoned drumsticks in half of the jalapeño glaze, cover, and refrigerate for 15 minutes up to 2 hours to marinate.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  5. Place drumsticks on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes. Brush with remaining glaze each turn to build a sticky, caramelized coating.
  6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to check for clear juices.
  7. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control flare-ups caused by honey glaze dripping on coals. Use indirect heat for thicker pieces to avoid burning. Brush glaze gradually in layers to build flavor without burning. Let chicken rest after grilling to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, honey BBQ chicken, chicken drumsticks, spicy jalapeño glaze, BBQ recipe, easy chicken recipe, summer grilling

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/flavorful-grilled-honey-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-with-easy-spicy-jalape-n-o-glaze-recipe/