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Flavorful Grilled Honey Bourbon BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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These grilled honey bourbon BBQ chicken drumsticks offer a sticky, sweet, smoky, and slightly boozy glaze perfect for summer cookouts. Easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing, they bring backyard memories to your plate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
  • 1/4 cup honey (preferably raw or local)
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside about 1/3 cup of this sauce separately for basting during grilling.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then toss them in the marinade bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F). If using charcoal, let the coals ash over until glowing with gray ash.
  4. Remove drumsticks from marinade and discard leftover marinade. Lightly brush drumsticks with olive oil and season with extra salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Place drumsticks on the grill, skin side down. Grill for 12-15 minutes per side, turning every 5 minutes. Baste generously with reserved sauce each time you flip. Manage flare-ups by moving chicken to cooler parts of the grill if needed.
  6. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer, juices should run clear when pierced.
  7. Transfer drumsticks to a plate and tent with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite summer sides.

Notes

Marinate overnight for best flavor penetration. Use a spray bottle of water to manage flare-ups on the grill. Turn chicken every 5 minutes and baste with reserved sauce to build a sticky glaze. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. If sauce thickens too much while grilling, loosen with a splash of water or bourbon off heat. Clean and oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, BBQ chicken, honey bourbon chicken, summer cookout, chicken drumsticks, smoky chicken, easy BBQ recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/flavorful-grilled-honey-bourbon-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-perfect-for-summer-cookouts/