Gluten-Free Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken drumsticks 1.5 lbs chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup GF ketchup 1/4 cup GF ketchup
• 2 tbsp GF tamari or coconut aminos 2 tbsp GF tamari or coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper 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 about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is starting to turn golden brown and is nearly cooked through. 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

• Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil here — the flavor comes through in simple recipes.
• Press or mince garlic rather than slicing for a more pungent flavor; slice for a milder taste.
• Let cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting to allow the juices to redistribute.