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Crispy Grilled Honey Paprika Chicken Drumsticks Recipe with Cilantro Lime Butter For Easy Summer BBQ

crispy grilled honey paprika chicken drumsticks - featured image
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This recipe features crispy, caramelized chicken drumsticks with a perfect balance of sweet honey, smoky paprika, and tangy lime, finished with a fresh cilantro lime butter. It’s easy, flavorful, and ideal for summer BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds), skin-on and bone-in
  • 3 tablespoons honey (light, runny preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Zest of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lime juice in a medium bowl until smooth and slightly thick but pourable.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Add them to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light ash coating. Brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Place drumsticks on the grill spaced apart. Grill for about 15 minutes per side, turning every 5 minutes to avoid burning and ensure even cooking, until skin is deeply caramelized.
  5. Check doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a drumstick; it should read 165°F. If not done, move to indirect heat and close lid until cooked through.
  6. While grilling, mix softened butter, chopped cilantro, and lime zest in a small bowl until combined.
  7. Once chicken is done, transfer to a platter and immediately brush with cilantro lime butter. Serve warm.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating to ensure crispy skin. Marinate for 2-4 hours for best flavor but no longer than overnight to avoid soggy skin. Turn drumsticks every 5 minutes while grilling to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature of 165°F. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternative or olive oil mixed with cilantro and lime zest. If no grill, bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes and broil 3-5 minutes to crisp skin.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, honey paprika chicken, chicken drumsticks, summer BBQ, cilantro lime butter, easy chicken recipe, smoky chicken, sweet and smoky chicken

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-grilled-honey-paprika-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-with-cilantro-lime-butter-for-easy-summer-bbq/