Gluten-Free Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey Shop
• 1/4 cup GF ketchup Shop
• 2 tbsp GF tamari or coconut aminos Shop
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Shop
• 1 tsp smoked paprika Shop
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. 1 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels; this helps achieve a crispier skin. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
2. 2 Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the skin is golden and the thickest drumstick reads about 150°F near the bone. This initial bake helps render some of the fat and begins the crisping process.
3. 3 While the chicken bakes, prepare the honey BBQ sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, GF ketchup, GF tamari (or coconut aminos), apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the aromas are fragrant.
4. 4 Remove the chicken from the oven. Brush each drumstick generously with the prepared honey BBQ sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Return the sauced drumsticks to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce is caramelized and sticky, and the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The glaze should be glossy and slightly browned.
5. 5 Once the chicken drumsticks are beautifully glazed and cooked through, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. These flavorful drumsticks are perfect served on their own or with your favorite gluten-free sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Nutrition (per serving)

Tips & Notes

• Simmer the honey BBQ sauce until it coats the back of a spoon before you brush it on. Thin sauce runs off the drumsticks. Use a ketchup labeled gluten-free.
• Honey burns quickly at 400°F, so glaze only near the end, as step 4 does, and watch for dark spots. Move the pan to a lower rack if the glaze darkens too fast.
• Drumsticks are safe at 165°F, but dark meat turns more tender around 175°F or a little higher. Check near the bone with a thermometer.

Common questions