Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks – The Perfect Crowd-Pleaser

Introduction
Craving juicy, flavorful chicken with a sticky, caramelized glaze? These sweet and spicy BBQ chicken drumsticks are the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or gatherings, they’re easy to make and packed with mouthwatering flavor. Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the BBQ glaze:

• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.
2. Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes crispier skin.
3. In a bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Make sure they are evenly coated.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

1. Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out to cook evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the BBQ Glaze

1. While the chicken is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, hot sauce (if using), and apple cider vinegar.
2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

1. After 25 minutes, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Brush the BBQ glaze generously over each piece, ensuring they are well coated.
2. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is caramelized.

Step 5: Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional)

1. For an extra crispy and caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• For a deeper flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the BBQ glaze for a few hours before baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the drumsticks are fully cooked without drying them out.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce based on your preference.

Conclusion
These sweet and spicy BBQ chicken drumsticks are the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. They’re easy to prepare and always a hit at any meal or gathering. Pair them with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Call to Action
Try this recipe today and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your BBQ chicken creations. Save this recipe for your next dinner inspiration—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!