Hot Honey Drumsticks Recipe

Cook Time: 75 minutes

These spicy baked chicken drumsticks are perfect for those who love bold flavors with a hint of heat. Marinated in a zesty sauce and baked to perfection, these drumsticks are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 1 habanero pepper, seeded and halved
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon hot chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Place the chicken drumsticks into a resealable plastic bag set over a bowl.

Step 2: In a blender or blender cup, add the habanero pepper, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Blend on high for about 30 seconds until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl.

Step 3: To the bowl, add honey, garlic powder, onion powder, hot chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and Korean chili paste. Whisk everything together until the marinade is evenly combined.

Step 4: Pour the marinade into the resealable bag with the chicken. Seal the bag and massage the chicken to ensure it's evenly coated with the marinade. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag tightly.

Step 5: Refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to 10 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse (longer marinating time results in more flavor).

Step 6: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C). Transfer the chicken and the marinade into a casserole dish, spacing the drumsticks evenly in a single layer.

Step 7: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the dish and flip the drumsticks over. Continue baking for another 45 minutes, turning or basting the drumsticks every 15 minutes until the chicken is very tender and starting to brown.

Step 8: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Cover them loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 9: Carefully pour the remaining liquids from the roasting dish into a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and let it cook for about 3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 10: Spoon the thickened sauce over the drumsticks and garnish with freshly snipped chives, if desired.

Chef's Note

This recipe packs a punch of spice, so if you prefer a milder version, feel free to reduce the amount of hot pepper components. The soy sauce provides enough salt for seasoning, but if you like your dishes a bit saltier, you can add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the marinade.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 248
• Total Fat: 9g (12% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 2g (12% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 127mg (42% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 592mg (26% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g (6% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 25g (50% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 7mg (8% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 19mg (1% Daily Value)
• Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 337mg (7% Daily Value)

The Sweet Heat Story: Hot Honey Drumsticks

Hot honey drumsticks are a modern twist on a classic comfort food, combining the rich, savory flavors of roasted chicken with the fiery kick of chili peppers and the natural sweetness of honey. The concept of pairing heat and sweetness is not newit has roots in many culinary traditions worldwidebut its application to chicken drumsticks in this exact form is largely an American innovation. The recipe has gained popularity in recent years thanks to chefs and food enthusiasts seeking bold, memorable flavors that balance spice and sugar in every bite.

Regional Variations

This dish has a distinctly American identity, particularly influenced by Southern cooking styles where fried or roasted chicken is a staple. In the Southern United States, hot honey chicken is often served with cornbread, coleslaw, or pickles, highlighting the region's love for sweet-and-spicy combinations. Variations exist across the country: in some Northern states, the recipe might include milder peppers or maple syrup instead of honey, while coastal regions sometimes add a citrus glaze to brighten the flavor. Even within the South, hot honey drumsticks can vary by heat level, using everything from jalapeos to habaneros depending on local tastes.

What Sets It Apart

While similar to honey-glazed chicken or spicy buffalo wings, hot honey drumsticks are unique due to the careful balance of sweetness and heat, along with a baked preparation rather than deep frying. Unlike buffalo wings, which are often tossed in a vinegar-based sauce, hot honey drumsticks rely on a sticky glaze created by honey, soy sauce, and chili paste that caramelizes during roasting. This method delivers a tender, flavorful interior with a slightly crisp exterior, giving it a texture and taste profile that distinguishes it from more traditional spicy chicken dishes.

Serving Traditions

Hot honey drumsticks are commonly served in casual dining environments, backyard gatherings, and family dinners. They are ideal for sharing, making them a favorite for potlucks or game-day meals. In restaurants, they often appear on menus as an appetizer or main course, sometimes accompanied by dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat. Street food vendors have also embraced this dish, offering it as a portable snack that can be eaten by hand while enjoying a festival or market atmosphere.

Interesting Facts

• The combination of honey and chili has a scientific basis: sugar can temper the perception of heat, making spicy flavors more complex and enjoyable.
• Hot honey as a concept was popularized by Nashville, Tennessee, where several eateries began drizzling it over fried chicken, inspiring recipes like these drumsticks.
• The dish pairs exceptionally well with cold beverages; the sweetness and spice create a flavor contrast that is heightened when enjoyed with a crisp beer or sparkling drink.
• Many home cooks experiment with adding different chili varieties or infusing the honey with herbs, giving each batch a unique twist while staying true to the original sweet-and-spicy theme.

Overall, hot honey drumsticks are a celebration of bold flavors, regional culinary innovation, and the timeless appeal of roasted chicken. This dish captures the imagination of food lovers by offering a perfect balance between fiery spice and natural sweetness, making it a memorable addition to any table.

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