Honey and Berbere Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
Oven-roasted chicken drumsticks coated in a sweet and spicy honey-berbere glaze, offering a vibrant Ethiopian flavor twist. This ethiopian-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes pairs chicken drumsticks, honey, berbere spice blend for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp berbere spice blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp berbere spice blend, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 8 chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the honey-berbere glaze. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, spacing them apart. Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the glaze to set and intensify in flavor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey and Berbere Glazed Chicken Drumsticks take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey and Berbere Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken drumsticks from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey and Berbere Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Honey and Berbere Glazed Chicken Drumsticks for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Honey and Berbere Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?
Ethiopian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy weeknight meal that impressed my husband. The glaze caramelized beautifully and the chicken stayed juicy.
- ★★★★★
Serving these at my Ethiopian dinner party was a hit—everyone asked for the recipe!
- ★★★★★
The berbere spice balanced the honey perfectly, and my family devoured these drumsticks in minutes! Best for dinner parties.








