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Flavorful Honey Chipotle BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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Sticky, smoky, and sweet honey chipotle BBQ chicken drumsticks that are easy to make and perfect for grilling or baking. This recipe balances smoky spice with honey’s natural sweetness for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
  • 1/4 cup (85g) honey, preferably raw or wildflower
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh lime juice or pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until thick but pourable.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Place them in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F/190°C) or preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and set a wire rack on a baking sheet if baking.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place drumsticks on the grill or wire rack. Grill, turning every 6-8 minutes and basting occasionally with leftover marinade, until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 25-30 minutes. If baking, cook for about 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices. The skin should be sticky, shiny, and slightly charred in spots.

Notes

If the sauce starts to burn on the grill, move the drumsticks to indirect heat or reduce the flame. Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid pouring marinade directly on coals to prevent flare-ups. For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips during grilling.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey chipotle BBQ chicken, chicken drumsticks, smoky BBQ chicken, easy BBQ recipe, grilled chicken, baked chicken, smoky spice chicken

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/flavorful-honey-chipotle-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-easy-smoky-spice-recipe/