Step-by-step instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this dish to life. Follow these detailed steps:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. This helps the heat circulate around the drumsticks, ensuring they get nice and crispy.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, which helps the skin crisp up. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack and bake for about 35 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even crispness and cook until fully done.
- While the chicken is baking, mix your BBQ sauce, honey, melted butter, and Worcestershire sauce in a separate bowl until well combined.
- Once the drumsticks are done, pull them out of the oven and brush them generously with your honey BBQ sauce.
- Return the chicken to the oven for another 10 minutes, which allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
- Meanwhile, bake the cornbread according to the package instructions. This should coincide nicely with the chicken’s final bake.
- Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving it alongside warm cornbread.
Best ways to enjoy it
When serving your Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, there are plenty of creative ideas to elevate the meal. Consider plating the drumsticks on a rustic wooden board, drizzling extra honey BBQ sauce over the top, and serving with a side of coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a pop of color and flavor. A fresh salad can also provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken and cornbread.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh and delicious, store any uneaten drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you have cornbread leftovers, make sure they are wrapped tightly to prevent them from drying out. When reheating, it’s best to use an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness of the chicken. You can even pop the cornbread in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some tips that could help you nail this recipe like a pro:
- Dry the chicken thoroughly: This is crucial for achieving that crispy skin you crave.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne if you enjoy a bit of heat!
- Glaze twice: For an extra sticky and mouthwatering finish, brush the drumsticks with sauce twice — once before returning them to the oven and once more just before serving.
Creative twists
This recipe can be easily customized to fit various tastes and preferences. For a different flavor profile, try utilizing teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ for an Asian twist. You could also switch things up by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the chicken marinade, like oregano or ginger. Going gluten-free? Look for a gluten-free cornbread mix to keep everyone happy!
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 45 minutes, including baking time for the chicken and cornbread. Perfect for a weeknight meal when time is of the essence!
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While drumsticks provide great taste and texture, you can also use chicken thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What should I do if I want to make this dish diet-friendly?
For a healthier version, you can remove the skin before cooking or use skinless chicken pieces. You can also reduce the amount of honey in the glaze for less sweetness.
Enjoy cooking your Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Cornbread! It’s a dish that promises to satisfy, no matter the occasion.
