Grilled Hot Honey Drumsticks with Crispy Hatchback Potatoes
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- Cast iron pan
- Chef's knife
- Small saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
INGREDIENTS
- 24 chicken drumsticks
- 6 large russet potatoes
- ½ cup oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic seasoning or garlic salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning blend, salt-free or to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 teaspoons habanero hot sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 355°F (180°C).
- Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat dry. Slice a small section off the bottom of each potato to help them sit flat. Using a sharp knife, cut thin vertical slits across the top of each potato without slicing all the way through. Arrange the potatoes in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic seasoning. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes, or until golden and tender.
- Using a sharp knife, make two deep slits along each drumstick, cutting down both sides of the bone. This helps the seasoning penetrate and allows the meat to cook more evenly. Season all over with the spice blend.
- Heat a grill to medium. Grill the drumsticks, turning occasionally, until the skin is crisp and the meat is cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lemon juice, hot sauce, and honey, and stir to combine. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Transfer the grilled drumsticks to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over and toss to coat. Serve hot with the roasted potatoes.
FAQ
How can I make hot honey drumsticks without a grill?
You can make hot honey drumsticks entirely in the oven. After seasoning the drumsticks and cutting slits as directed, arrange them on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for about 35 to 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until the skin is golden and the meat is cooked through. If you want extra crispness, broil them for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Toss the oven-roasted drumsticks in the hot honey sauce as instructed.
What can I use instead of habanero hot sauce?
Feel free to use cayenne pepper sauce, chipotle sauce, or even sriracha, depending on your heat preference. Each offers a different flavor profile—chipotle gives a smoky depth, while sriracha adds garlicky sweetness. Start with a smaller amount and taste the sauce before adjusting. You can also use a mild buffalo sauce or mix hot sauce with ketchup for a more kid-friendly version.
How far in advance can I prepare hot honey drumsticks?
You can season and prep hot honey drumsticks up to 24 hours in advance. After cutting the slits and rubbing on the seasoning, store the drumsticks covered in the refrigerator. This actually improves flavor, as the seasoning has more time to penetrate the meat. The hot honey sauce can also be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently before using. While the drumsticks are best served fresh off the grill, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
What is the best way to reheat hot honey drumsticks?
Place the drumsticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the skin from going soggy. For faster reheating, you can use an air fryer at 350°F for about 6 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can soften the skin and dull the sauce’s flavor. If needed, reserve a little extra hot honey sauce and warm it separately to brush on just before serving the reheated drumsticks.
Can I freeze these hot honey drumsticks?
The drumsticks can be frozen either before or after cooking. If freezing raw, season and slit the drumsticks as directed, then place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. If freezing cooked drumsticks, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container. For best results, reheat in a 375°F oven until warmed through and crisp. Freeze the hot honey sauce separately and reheat gently before tossing with the reheated drumsticks.
How do I make this hot honey drumsticks recipe dairy-free?
You can easily make hot honey drumsticks dairy-free by replacing the butter in the sauce with a plant-based alternative. Use vegan butter, margarine, or a neutral oil like avocado or sunflower oil. These options will still allow the sauce to emulsify and cling to the chicken. The rest of the ingredients—honey, hot sauce, lemon juice—are naturally dairy-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your hot sauce and seasoning blends to confirm they contain no hidden dairy products. The flavor of the hot honey drumsticks will remain bold and satisfying.
