Honey Baked Chicken Drumsticks
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These honey baked chicken drumsticks are insanely packed with flavor! A seasoning blend with honey and oil coats each chicken leg, which are then baked to perfection. This recipe is a huge favorite in our household, and I’m constantly asked if we can have this meal again!
Looking for more delicious chicken recipes? Try these garlic honey chicken with broccoli, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, or crock pot honey garlic chicken next.
These chicken legs are a total flavor bomb, and they’re so simple to make! The smoky spices paired with sweet honey create a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s great for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering.
Need more dinner ideas? Try this Teriyaki Grilled Chicken Skewers next.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these sweet and smoky chicken legs:
Ingredient Notes
Chicken Drumsticks: You can substitute chicken drumsticks with thighs if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
Cajun Seasoning: Try Slap Ya Mama, Tony Chachere’s, or McCormick Cajun Seasoning. These are widely available in supermarkets or on Amazon.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Variations
Add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for an extra spicy punch.
For an even sweeter glaze, add 1-2 tbsp of brown sugar to the sauce mixture.
How to Make Baked Honey Chicken Drumsticks: Step by Step
Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: In a large bowl add the chicken legs, honey, seasonings and oil. Mix with your hands until each leg is completely coated.
Step 2: Lay each leg out on the baking sheet. Scoop a bit of the mixture off the bottom of the bowl and drizzle on top of each leg.
Step 3: Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Until the chicken is completely cooked through and the skin has a bit of color on it.
Step 4: Once they are cooked, take out the oven and take a baster and dip it in the sauce that’s dripped off the legs on the bottom of the sheet pan, baste the legs.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
If the skin of your chicken legs is folded over, pull it up to ensure every part of the chicken is coated in the sauce.
Add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix if you prefer a spicier dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The skin should also be golden and crispy.
Yes, grilling the chicken legs over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, will give you that smoky flavor with a bit of char.
I hope you love these honey baked chicken legs. Please consider leaving a star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below. Thank you so much!
More Chicken Recipe Ideas
Honey Baked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Scallions or parsley for topping optional
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large bowl add the chicken legs, honey, seasonings and oil. Mix with your hands until each leg is completely coated.
- Lay each leg out on the baking sheet. Scoop a bit of the mixture off the bottom of the bowl and drizzle on top of each leg. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Until the chicken is completely cooked through and the skin has a bit of color on it.
- Once they are cooked, take out the oven and take a baster and dip it in the sauce that’s dripped off the legs on the bottom of the sheet pan, baste the legs. Sprinkle chopped scallions or parsley on top (optional) and serve and enjoy!
Notes
Want it spicy? Add 1 tsp of red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
Some of the skin on my chicken legs were pushed down once I opened them from the package, while I was rubbing the sauce on them I pulled the skin up to make sure each and every part of the chicken was coated.
Nutrition
The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data