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Flavorful Firecracker Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Chipotle Honey Glaze

firecracker grilled chicken drumsticks - featured image
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These grilled chicken drumsticks feature a smoky, sweet, and spicy chipotle honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, delivering a tender and juicy bite with a perfect char.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 chicken drumsticks (about 2.5 pounds / 1.1 kg), skin-on and bone-in
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey, preferably raw or wildflower
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons / 30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the drumsticks and pat them dry with paper towels. Season evenly with salt and black pepper. (10 minutes)
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper if using until glossy and brushable. (5 minutes)
  3. Preheat grill to medium heat, about 350-400°F (175-200°C). For charcoal, let coals burn down to steady heat with no large flames. (15 minutes)
  4. Place drumsticks on grill grates spaced apart. Cook with lid closed for about 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes for even cooking. (15 minutes)
  5. Brush glaze on drumsticks in thin layers, then close lid and cook for 5 minutes. Repeat glazing and cooking 2-3 times. (10-15 minutes)
  6. Check internal temperature with meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C). If no thermometer, cut into thickest drumstick to ensure juices run clear. (2 minutes)
  7. Remove drumsticks from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. (5 minutes)

Notes

Watch for flare-ups when glazing due to honey’s sugar content; keep a spray bottle of water nearby. Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispy skin. Brush glaze in thin layers to avoid dripping and burning. Let chicken rest after grilling to lock in juices. If no grill, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, brushing glaze in last 10 minutes and broiling briefly for caramelization.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken drumsticks, chipotle honey glaze, firecracker chicken, smoky grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe, backyard barbecue, spicy honey glaze

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/flavorful-firecracker-grilled-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-with-easy-chipotle-honey-glaze/