8 Chicken Drumstick Appetizers

Are you ready to elevate your appetizer game with some mouthwatering chicken drumsticks?

These little bites of heaven are not just easy to whip up, but they’re also packed with flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

From sweet honey-glazed to spicy garlic, there’s a drumstick for every palate and occasion.

Let’s not forget the irresistible BBQ and zesty buffalo options that will leave your guests wanting more.

Get ready to explore these eight amazing chicken drumstick appetizers that will make your gatherings unforgettable!

Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks

Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks are a delightful and savory appetizer that will certainly steal the show at any gathering. These drumsticks aren’t just deliciously crispy on the outside, they’re also tender, juicy, and packed with flavor on the inside. The glaze is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy honey, balanced by a hint of garlic and soy sauce. It’s an easy recipe that you can whip up in no time, making it an ideal option for dinner parties, picnics, or even a simple family dinner.

The secret to achieving perfectly cooked drumsticks lies in the marination process. The longer you let the drumsticks marinate, the more flavorful they become. The glaze is then brushed onto the drumsticks during the final stages of cooking, creating a beautiful and appetizing caramelized surface. Here’s how to make this crowd-pleasing appetizer for 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup of honey
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by cleaning the chicken drumsticks thoroughly and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel. This step guarantees that the marinade will adhere properly to the drumsticks.
2. Combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Place the chicken drumsticks in a large container or ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, assuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and let the drumsticks marinate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the drumsticks on it, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time.
6. After 45 minutes, brush the remaining marinade onto the drumsticks and cook for an additional 15 minutes until they’re nicely browned and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Extra Tips:

For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The drumsticks are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also, remember that the key to this dish’s success is the marination process. The longer you marinate the drumsticks, the more flavorful they’ll be.

Finally, don’t forget to turn the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time to guarantee even cooking and browning. Enjoy your Honey Glazed Chicken Drumsticks!

BBQ Chicken Drumstick Bites

BBQ Chicken Drumstick Bites are an absolute crowd-pleaser; they’re quick, easy-to-make, and packed full of flavor. Perfect as a starter for a dinner party or a game night, these bites are all about succulent chicken drumstick meat slathered in a rich and smoky BBQ sauce. The chicken is first marinated to infuse it with flavors, then grilled to perfection, and finally tossed in the BBQ sauce. The result is a mouthwatering appetizer that’s both tender and tangy, promised to leave your guests asking for more.

These drumstick bites are a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit your taste buds. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder, or throw in some honey for a hint of sweetness. With this recipe, you can serve 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 2 cups of your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Remove the skin from the drumsticks and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces to this marinade and mix well until all the pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your grill to medium heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are covered with white ash.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place it on the grill. Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and has a nice char on the outside. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
5. While the chicken is grilling, heat your BBQ sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
6. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and immediately toss it in the warmed BBQ sauce. Make sure every piece is well coated.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Extra tips: Make certain to marinate the chicken for at least one hour to infuse the flavors. However, for a truly flavorful experience, marinate the chicken overnight.

When grilling, keep a close eye on the chicken to verify it doesn’t burn. The sugar in the BBQ sauce can cause it to char quickly. If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook these in the oven at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

Spicy Garlic Drumstick Skewers

For a tantalizing and unforgettable appetizer, try these Spicy Garlic Drumstick Skewers. They’re incredibly tasty, with a rich, spicy, and garlicky flavor that will keep your guests asking for more. Additionally, they’re easy to make, and you can adjust the spiciness according to your liking. Perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a simple dinner, these skewers are a hit with adults and kids alike.

Chicken drumsticks are marinated in a delectable spicy garlic sauce, skewered, and then grilled to perfection. The result is a juicy, flavorful drumstick with a crispy, slightly charred exterior. The skewers make them easy to handle and perfect for serving as an appetizer. Now let’s explore the recipe for serving 4-6 people.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 12 skewers

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by cleaning the drumsticks and patting them dry with a paper towel. This will guarantee they get a nice sear on the grill.
2. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chili flakes, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Mix well to create your marinade.
3. Add the drumsticks to the marinade and confirm they’re fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5. While the grill is heating, skewer each drumstick lengthwise.
6. Place the skewered drumsticks on the preheated grill. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning every 5-10 minutes to confirm even cooking. They should have a crispy exterior and a juicy, fully cooked interior.
7. Once done, remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Extra Tips:

Consider serving these Spicy Garlic Drumstick Skewers with a side of cooling dip like tzatziki or ranch dressing to balance out the heat. If you’re not a fan of too much spice, feel free to reduce the amount of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in the marinade.

Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

An American classic, the Buffalo Chicken Drumstick is a favorite among sports enthusiasts and party lovers alike. Its tangy, spicy flavor combined with the succulent, juicy meat of the chicken drumstick make it a delicious treat for every palate. The buffalo-style sauce, which is basically a hot sauce combined with melted butter, adds a layer of heat without overpowering the overall taste. This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people, making it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering with friends.

While the recipe might seem complicated, it’s actually fairly simple and straightforward. The drumsticks are first baked, then coated in the buffalo sauce, and finally broiled to achieve that perfect charred texture. The total cook time is around an hour, but the result is absolutely worth the wait. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of hot sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
• Blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving
• Celery sticks for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with aluminium foil.
2. Place the chicken drumsticks on the baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss the drumsticks to confirm they’re evenly coated.
3. Bake the drumsticks for about 40-45 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and the skin is crispy.
4. While the chicken is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
5. Once the drumsticks are baked, remove them from the oven and toss them in the buffalo sauce until they’re fully coated.
6. Return the coated drumsticks to the baking sheet and broil them for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce starts to caramelize and the drumsticks are slightly charred.
7. Serve the Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks with blue cheese or ranch dressing and celery sticks on the side.

Extra tips: It’s important to keep an eye on the drumsticks while they’re broiling, as they can easily burn due to the high heat. Also, you can adjust the heat level of the buffalo sauce by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste. For a gluten-free version, make sure to use a gluten-free hot sauce. Enjoy your delicious Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks!

Teriyaki Drumstick Appetizer

Your next party will be the talk of the town with these Teriyaki Drumstick Appetizers. These chicken drumsticks are marinated in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce, then baked until they reach a perfect golden brown. The result is a juicy, flavorful appetizer that will have your guests reaching for seconds. The best part? This recipe is easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your party.

Teriyaki Drumstick Appetizers are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to more formal gatherings. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce complements the chicken perfectly, while the heat from the oven locks in the flavor and creates a delightful texture. With this recipe, you can create restaurant-quality appetizers right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup of teriyaki sauce
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon of chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
2. Make the marinade by combining the teriyaki sauce, honey, and minced garlic in a large bowl.
3. Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and pepper, then place them in the bowl with the marinade. Stir until all the drumsticks are well-coated.
4. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate them overnight.
5. Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with vegetable oil.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
7. Sprinkle the cooked drumsticks with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

Here’s a tip when preparing this dish: be sure to line your baking sheet with aluminum foil before cooking. This will make the clean-up process easier, as the teriyaki sauce can become sticky and hard to remove once it’s baked.

Also, don’t rush the marinating time – the longer you let the drumsticks sit in the marinade, the more flavorful they’ll be. Enjoy your Teriyaki Drumstick Appetizers!

Lemon Pepper Drumstick Bites

Looking for a delightful yet easy-to-make appetizer? Try these Lemon Pepper Drumstick Bites. These chicken drumstick appetizers are a perfect blend of tanginess and spiciness that will stimulate your taste buds.

They’re an excellent choice for a casual party, a game day snack, or even for a family dinner.

The main highlight of these Lemon Pepper Drumstick Bites is their crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat on the inside. The drumsticks are marinated in a rich blend of lemon and pepper, then baked to perfection. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of one lemon
• 2 teaspoons of black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Mix them thoroughly until they form a marinade.
3. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them until they’re fully coated with the marinade. Leave the drumsticks to marinate for about 30 minutes.
4. Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the lined baking sheet. Make sure to space them evenly to allow for even cooking.
5. Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to guarantee they cook evenly.
6. Once the drumsticks are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. Before serving, sprinkle the drumsticks with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and a pop of color.

When cooking these Lemon Pepper Drumstick Bites, remember to marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Also, flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time guarantees they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Finally, don’t forget to let the drumsticks cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to handle and will enhance their flavor.

Enjoy these tasty drumstick bites with your favorite dipping sauce.

Parmesan Garlic Chicken Drumsticks

When it comes to creating a simple yet flavorful appetizer, Parmesan Garlic Chicken Drumsticks top the list. These drumsticks are coated in a delectable mix of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and spices, then baked to perfection, making them an irresistible and satisfying treat. The perfect blend of crunchy and juicy, these savory drumsticks are sure to be a hit with guests at your next gathering or family dinner.

Not only are these Parmesan Garlic Chicken Drumsticks incredibly tasty, they’re also easy to prepare. This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, freeing you to focus on other dishes or simply relax. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress without causing unnecessary stress.

Ingredients:

• 10-12 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside.
2. Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry using a paper towel. This step is important as it guarantees the chicken is clean and the spices will stick better to dry chicken.
3. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil and minced garlic. Add the drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated with the garlic and oil mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Roll each drumstick in the cheese and spice mixture, making sure each drumstick is fully coated.
5. Place the coated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and crispy.
6. Garnish the cooked drumsticks with fresh parsley if desired, and serve them hot.

Extra Tips:

While this recipe is quite straightforward, it’s important to remember not to rush the baking process. The drumsticks need time to cook properly and for the cheese to become perfectly crispy.

Also, feel free to adjust the quantity of garlic and spices based on your personal preference. Some might prefer a stronger garlic flavor, while others might want a milder taste.

Finally, always verify the chicken is fully cooked before serving to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Sweet and Sour Drumstick Appetizers

If you’re seeking a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and packed full of flavor, search no further than these Sweet and Sour Chicken Drumstick Appetizers.

These bite-sized delights are just the thing to get your party started, combining the succulent taste of chicken with a tangy sweet and sour sauce that will have your guests coming back for more. The crispy, caramelized skin of the drumsticks pairs perfectly with the sweet and sour sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both satisfying and addictive.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity. With just a few common ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, you can whip up these tasty treats in no time.

They’re perfect for dinner parties, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with your culinary skills. The delectable aroma wafting from your kitchen alone is enough to get everyone’s taste buds tingling in anticipation.

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with foil.
2. Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and black pepper to taste, then heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
3. Add the drumsticks to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re browned on all sides.
4. While the drumsticks are cooking, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, minced garlic, minced ginger, and pineapple juice in a small saucepan.
5. Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Once the drumsticks are browned, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet and brush them generously with the sweet and sour sauce.
7. Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until they’re cooked through and the skin is crispy.
8. Remove the drumsticks from the oven, brush them with any remaining sauce, and sprinkle them with sesame seeds before serving.

Extra Tips:

When cooking the drumsticks, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This allows them to brown evenly, giving them a nice, crispy skin.

Also, while the sweet and sour sauce can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator, it’s best to apply it to the drumsticks just before baking to guarantee the best flavor.

For an even more flavorful dish, consider marinating the drumsticks in the sauce for a few hours before cooking.