Honey Bbq Recipe

I really believe a great honey bbq recipe starts with a sauce that tastes genuinely homemade, not just poured from a bottle.

This recipe delivers exactly that, creating a rich, smoky roasted garlic glaze that caramelizes perfectly on baked drumsticks. The key is incorporating slow-roasted garlic, which adds a complex, umami-rich layer to the traditional sweet and tangy profile. This easy dinner idea is a family favorite for me, perfect for weeknights when I still want something special. This family-friendly method results in incredibly juicy chicken and sticky, glistening skin, making this ultimate crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Ingredients

• Chicken Drumsticks: 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) skin on, bone in. Use bone-in drumsticks for the most succulent results and deeper flavor. Pat them thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin.
• Garlic: 2 whole heads. Roasting whole heads mellows the sharp, pungent flavor, turning it sweet and nutty. This creates the complex, umami base that elevates this honey bbq recipe.
• Olive Oil: 30 ml (2 tbsp), divided. Half is used to roast the garlic; the other half coats the drumsticks before baking to help the skin crisp and the seasoning adhere.
• Liquid Honey: 120 ml (½ cup). Provides the classic sweetness and sticky texture essential to a honey bbq recipe. Choose a high-quality liquid honey for best results.
• Ketchup: 180 ml (¾ cup). Forms the robust base of the BBQ sauce, contributing sweetness and tangy tomato notes.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 60 ml (¼ cup). Balances the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar with acidity. Essential for cutting through the richness of the glaze.
• Dark Brown Sugar: 30 ml (2 tbsp), packed. Adds a deeper molasses flavor compared to light brown sugar (though light brown sugar can be swapped in a pinch). Contributes to the glaze’s rich color and caramelization.
• Tomato Paste: 15 ml (1 tbsp). Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds depth and body to the sauce, giving it a rich color.
• Seasonings: 10 ml (2 tsp) smoked paprika, 5 ml (1 tsp) Aleppo pepper flakes, 2.5 ml (½ tsp) onion powder, 2.5 ml (½ tsp) garlic powder, 5 ml (1 tsp) sea salt, 2.5 ml (½ tsp) black pepper. Smoked paprika provides a distinct barbecue flavor without a smoker. Aleppo pepper adds a gentle, mild heat; omit for completely kid-friendly version.
• Garnish: 30 g (¼ cup) fresh parsley, finely chopped. Provides a pop of fresh color and lightens the richness of the final dish. Chop just before serving.

Instructions

This honey bbq recipe relies on a two-part process for maximum flavor, starting with a glaze made from slow-roasted garlic.

1. Prepare the Roasted Garlic: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice off the very top of each garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, then wrap each head tightly in foil. Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the cloves are very soft and fragrant. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the softened pulp into a small bowl and mash smooth with a fork.
2. Make the 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 thoroughly to create a uniform mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened and you can feel the sauce coating the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks very dry with paper towels (this is a critical step for crispy skin). Drizzle with the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and season generously with additional salt and pepper.
4. First Bake and Glaze: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush half of the smoky roasted garlic glaze over the chicken, ensuring an even, generous coating. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.
5. Second Glaze Application: Remove from oven, flip the drumsticks, and brush with another generous layer of glaze. Return to oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes. This honey bbq recipe method ensures the chicken builds up a beautiful sticky crust.
6. Final Glaze and Finish: Remove from 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 and sticky. I usually broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get extra char, but watch carefully as the sugar in the honey bbq recipe can burn quickly. The end result is a deeply flavorful, sticky honey bbq recipe chicken, far better than store-bought sauce can provide.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley, allowing its vibrant green to contrast with the deep, glossy reddish-brown glaze.

What to Serve with Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

This particular honey bbq recipe works best when paired with sides that offer contrast to its sweet and savory richness. A cool, creamy side like potato salad or a crisp, tangy coleslaw helps balance the meal. Don’t forget starchy options like mac and cheese or cornbread muffins to soak up that delicious sauce.

• Creamy Potato Salad: A classic pairing for BBQ chicken, offering a cool contrast to the hot, sticky glaze.
• Simple Coleslaw: The crisp texture and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the honey bbq recipe perfectly.
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese: A kid-friendly side dish that complements the comfort food vibe.
• Roasted Green Beans or Asparagus: A quick and healthy vegetable side that adds freshness to the meal.
• Cornbread Muffins: Excellent for soaking up any extra glaze left on the plate.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

The convenience of a make-ahead sauce makes this honey bbq recipe perfect for busy weeknights. The glaze itself can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just make sure to warm it up before brushing onto the chicken.

• Freezing Cooked Chicken: Once cooked, cool the chicken completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or air fryer for best results.
• Reheating Instructions: For best texture, reheat leftover drumsticks in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the skin re-crisps.

FAQs for Perfect Baked Honey BBQ Chicken

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken thighs are excellent substitutes. They have a similar cooking time and stay juicy under the sticky honey bbq recipe glaze. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) before serving.

Q: Why do I need to roast the garlic first?

Roasting transforms raw garlic’s sharp, spicy flavor into a sweet, mellow, nutty taste that adds incredible depth to the glaze. This mellow flavor results in a complex, umami-rich glaze that elevates the entire honey bbq recipe beyond typical bottled sauces.

Q: How do I prevent the honey glaze from burning?

The key is applying the glaze in thin layers during the last part of baking. Avoid applying all of it at once; this helps prevent burning. When I add the final layer and broil it for color, I stand right by the oven door because it goes from caramelized to burned in a minute or two.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?

The most accurate method is an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat (avoiding the bone) until it reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the meat. This ensures the chicken is safe and juicy.

Q: Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. The glaze keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stovetop before brushing onto the chicken; this will make it easier to apply.

Q: Is this recipe spicy for kids?

The Aleppo pepper specified here adds only a very mild warmth. If you have very sensitive palates or small children, simply omit the Aleppo pepper entirely from the seasoning mix for a completely kid-friendly honey bbq recipe.

Conclusion

This smoky roasted garlic honey bbq recipe elevates classic drumsticks to a level that truly pleases everyone at the table. For a great family dinner idea, be sure to save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can make this delicious meal again soon.

Print