Print

Flavorful Firecracker Honey Sriracha Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

firecracker honey sriracha grilled chicken drumsticks - featured image

Sweet, spicy, sticky, and smoky grilled chicken drumsticks with a honey sriracha glaze perfect for summer BBQs. Juicy, tender, and packed with bold flavors that bring a fiery kick to your backyard grilling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
  • ⅓ cup honey (preferably raw, local)
  • 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  2. Prep the chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Score the skin lightly in 2-3 places to help flavors soak in.
  3. Marinate: Place drumsticks in a large bowl or tray and pour marinade over them. Toss gently to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375°F to 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are grayish-white.
  5. Grill the drumsticks skin-side down for 12-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Brush extra marinade on during the last 10 minutes to build a sticky glaze. Watch for flare-ups and move drumsticks if needed.
  6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The skin should be charred but not burnt.
  7. Rest the drumsticks on a plate for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before marinating to help the glaze stick and crisp up. Score the skin gently to allow marinade penetration without tearing. Use tongs to turn drumsticks to keep juices locked in. Baste during the last 10 minutes to avoid flare-ups. Rest chicken before serving for juicier meat. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Can bake or broil if no grill is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken drumsticks, honey sriracha chicken, summer BBQ, firecracker chicken, spicy grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe