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Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Drumettes with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

These bourbon-glazed chicken drumettes offer a sophisticated twist on classic finger food, combining a deep, smoky sweetness with a hint of heat. The marinade, enriched with golden brown sugar and tomato, caramelises beautifully in the oven to create a sticky coating that pairs perfectly with a punchy blue cheese dipping sauce. It is a savoury, indulgent high-protein dish that works equally well as a hearty weekend snack or a centrepiece for a party spread.

Ideal for hosting, this recipe benefits from overnight marinating, which ensures the chicken is tender and thoroughly infused with flavour. By roasting the drumettes on a wire rack, the heat circulates evenly, resulting in a succulent finish with enticing charred spots. Serve these at your next social gathering for a crowd-pleasing homemade appetiser that is sure to be a favourite.

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Ingredients for Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Drumettes with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter

  • 230g chopped onion

  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled, thinly sliced

  • 150g bourbon, divided

  • 240ml ketchup

  • 120ml hot pepper sauce (such as Crystal)

  • 60ml tomato paste

  • 3 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar

  • 30 chicken drumettes (about 1.8kg )

  • Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

How to make Bourbon-Glazed Chicken Drumettes with Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

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Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add 180ml bourbon; boil until most of liquid is absorbed, 6 to 8 minutes. Whisk in 60ml bourbon, ketchup, hot pepper sauce, tomato paste, and brown sugar. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Season marinade with salt and pepper. Remove marinade from heat; cool to room temperature.

Place chicken drumettes in 15 x 10 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Pour marinade over and turn drumettes to coat. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 191°C. Line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place cooling rack atop prepared baking sheet. Arrange drumettes on rack, spacing slightly apart. Spread any remaining marinade from dish over drumettes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake drumettes (still on cooling rack) until cooked through and brown in spots, about 45 minutes. Transfer drumettes to serving platter. Serve Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce alongside.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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