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honey bbq recipe
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This honey bbq recipe features roasted garlic for a rich, smoky glaze that caramelizes perfectly on baked chicken drumsticks. The key technique involves applying the sauce in layers during baking to build a sticky crust and keep the chicken juicy, creating a family favorite dinner idea far superior to store-bought sauces.
Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) skin on, bone in chicken drumsticks
- 2 whole heads garlic
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil, divided
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) liquid honey
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) ketchup
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) apple cider vinegar
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) packed dark brown sugar
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) tomato paste
- 10 ml (2 tsp) smoked paprika
- 5 ml (1 tsp) Aleppo pepper flakes (optional)
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) onion powder
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) garlic powder
- 5 ml (1 tsp) sea salt
- 2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) black pepper
- 30 g (1/4 cup) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Roasted Garlic: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice off the tops of the garlic heads, drizzle with 15 ml olive oil, wrap tightly in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until very soft. Squeeze the softened pulp into a small bowl and mash smooth with a fork.
- Make Smoky Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the mashed roasted garlic with the honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, dark brown sugar, tomato paste, smoked paprika, Aleppo pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry with paper towels. Drizzle with the remaining 15 ml olive oil and season generously with additional salt and pepper.
- First Bake and Glaze: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush half of the smoky glaze over the chicken. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.
- Second Glaze Application: Remove the chicken from the oven, flip the drumsticks, and brush with another generous layer of glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Final Glaze and Finish: Remove from the oven again, flip, and brush with the remaining glaze. Continue baking for 10-15 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and the glaze is beautifully caramelized. Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra char, if desired, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
To achieve crispy skin, ensure the drumsticks are completely dry before seasoning and baking. Apply the glaze in layers to prevent the high sugar content from burning. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness, ensuring the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the meat. The glaze can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator; warm before use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American BBQ
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 pieces
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: honey bbq, chicken drumsticks, roasted garlic, baked chicken, sticky glaze, easy dinner, family friendly, comfort food
