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Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks

Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks
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Crispy and sweet with a spicy kick, Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks combine tender, juicy chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze made from honey and hot sauce or chili flakes. Perfect for dinners, game day snacking, or entertaining, this easy recipe delivers bold, balanced flavors with a crispy exterior and juicy interior that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 chicken drumsticks, fresh or thawed
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce or 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, coating every surface for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey with your choice of hot sauce or chili flakes. Warm gently over low heat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired to brighten the glaze.
  3. Cook the Drumsticks: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the drumsticks and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Lower the heat and cover the pan for about 12-15 minutes so the chicken cooks through, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Coat the Drumsticks with Glaze: Once the chicken is fully cooked, brush the hot honey glaze generously over each drumstick, coating them in sticky sweetness and heat. Let the glaze set for a minute or two in the pan, allowing it to caramelize slightly on the surface.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your Hot Honey Chicken Drumsticks to a serving plate, garnish as desired with fresh herbs or sesame seeds, and dive into that perfect combination of crunchy skin and spicy-sweet flavor.

Notes

  • Pat Dry the Chicken: Removing moisture ensures crispier skin during cooking.
  • Even Seasoning: Season generously and evenly for fully flavored drumsticks.
  • Control Heat: Adjust chili or hot sauce quantities gradually to find your perfect spice level.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest: Allow glazed drumsticks to rest a minute to let flavors meld and glaze thicken.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot honey chicken, crispy chicken drumsticks, sweet and spicy chicken, game day snack, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/hot-honey-chicken-drumsticks/