Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner! Our BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Honey Chipotle BBQ Sauce will take your grilling game to a whole new level. Imagine juicy, tender chicken drizzled with a sweet and spicy sauce that caramelizes beautifully over an open flame. This recipe is not just about the flavors; it's about creating unforgettable moments around the grill. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be serving up a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, fire up that grill and get ready for a flavor explosion that you won’t want to miss!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken drumsticks by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better sauce adherence.
- Season the drumsticks generously with salt and pepper on all sides, ensuring even coverage.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-204°C), creating two heat zones: direct and indirect heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated honey chipotle BBQ sauce.
- Place chicken drumsticks on the indirect heat side of the grill, cover, and cook for approximately 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), move drumsticks to direct heat and begin basting with honey chipotle BBQ sauce.
- Grill for an additional 5-7 minutes, rotating and basting frequently to create a caramelized, glossy exterior without burning.
- Remove drumsticks from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional sauce and fresh chopped herbs if desired.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Perfection: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy skin you crave and helps the sauce stick better.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! A generous seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and ensure every bite is delicious.
- Preheat Properly: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-204°C). Creating two heat zones—direct and indirect—will give you better control over the cooking process.
- Mix the Sauce Well: When combining the BBQ sauce, honey, and chipotle peppers, whisk thoroughly to create a smooth and well-integrated sauce. This will ensure every drumstick is coated evenly.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Baste for Flavor: After moving the drumsticks to direct heat, baste them with the honey chipotle BBQ sauce frequently. This not only adds flavor but also helps create that beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Let Rest: After grilling, let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, serve your drumsticks garnished with additional sauce and fresh chopped herbs. It adds a pop of color and elevates the dish visually!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
