BBQ Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Charred Corn

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 200  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Summer
Description

Juicy, tender chicken drumsticks coated in a smoky, sticky BBQ glaze and paired with sweet, slightly charred corn—this BBQ Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Charred Corn recipe is the perfect balance of bold flavor and summer comfort. Ideal for grilling or oven baking, this dish is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with rich, satisfying taste.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken Drumsticks
  • 8 pieces chicken drumsticks (skin-on, cleaned)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
    • For the BBQ Glaze
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (no alcohol-based ingredients)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic (minced)
    • For the Charred Corn
  • 4 ears fresh corn (or 2 cups corn kernels)
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh coriander or parsley
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
    Prepare the Chicken
  1. 1
    Pat the chicken drumsticks dry using paper towels. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Toss the drumsticks thoroughly until evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 15–20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
    2. Preheat and Arrange
  2. 2
    Preheat your oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper and place a wire rack on top (optional for even cooking). Arrange the drumsticks evenly, leaving space between each piece.
    3. Initial Baking
  3. 3
    Bake the chicken drumsticks for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and light browning.
    4. Prepare the BBQ Glaze
  4. 4
    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine BBQ sauce, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and minced garlic. Stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Remove from heat.
    5. Glaze and Finish Cooking
  5. 5
    Remove the drumsticks from the oven and generously brush each piece with the BBQ glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, flipping once and glazing again, until the chicken is caramelized and slightly sticky.
    6. Char the Corn
  6. 6
    While the chicken finishes, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt. Place the corn and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred (about 8–10 minutes). Sprinkle with salt, pepper, chili flakes, and finish with lemon juice and fresh herbs.
    7. Rest and Serve
  7. 7
    Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Serve hot with charred corn on the side. Optionally drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the chicken for added flavor.
Note
  • Extra Smoky Flavor: Add a drop of liquid smoke to the glaze.
  • Grill Option: You can grill the drumsticks instead of baking for a more authentic BBQ flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C for 10–12 minutes to maintain texture.
  • Variation: Add a spicy kick with hot sauce or cayenne pepper in the glaze.
Keywords: easy, smoky, budget-friendly, family-friendly, summer recipe
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/bbq-glazed-chicken-drumsticks-with-charred-corn/