Tender, smoky, and glazed with sticky-sweet honey barbecue sauce — grilled chicken drumsticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any summer gathering or cozy family dinner. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or just craving something bold and flavorful, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and packed with irresistible barbecue charm.
And the best part? You can make it even quicker with a good-quality store-bought honey BBQ sauce, or customize the flavor by making your own.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 5-6 tablespoons Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon pepper
- Oil for coating the grill grate
Preparation
Mix the dry rub: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, thyme, and pepper.
Prep the chicken: Brush each drumstick with olive oil, then generously rub them with the spice mix. Let the seasoned drumsticks sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Grill the chicken: Preheat the grill and lightly oil the grate. Place the drumsticks on the hot grill and cook uncovered for 5 minutes per side.
Cover and cook through: Close the lid and grill the drumsticks for 10 minutes per side, or until tender and fully cooked.
Glaze and finish: Brush with Honey BBQ sauce and grill for another 3–5 minutes per side, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
Check for doneness: For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) using a meat thermometer.
Rest before serving: Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving — this allows the juices to settle and intensifies the flavor.