Campfire Sticky Honey-Garlic Chicken Drumsticks with Charred Scallions
Season drumsticks and cook them on a grate 6 to 8 inches over medium coals for about 30 minutes, turning often. Brush with a simmered honey-garlic-soy glaze for the last 10 to 12 minutes, until the thickest part reads at least 165°F (175°F is more tender). Char scallions alongside for 3 minutes, rest the chicken 5 minutes, and eat. About 1 hour 10 minutes with coals ready.
Drumsticks are made for a campfire. They are cheap, they hold up to uneven heat, and the bone gives you a handle. The glaze here is honey, soy, garlic, ginger and a little chili. It sticks and chars at the edges, but only if you wait to brush it on.
The trick is two stages. Cook the chicken mostly through with plain seasoning first, then glaze it at the end so the honey does not burn. Keep a thermometer handy and a clean bowl of glaze for serving.
Campfire Sticky Honey-Garlic Chicken Drumsticks with Charred Scallions
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Heat
- Medium coals, grate 6 to 8 inches above
- Pack weight
- 4 lb
- Campfire
- Camp stove
- Backpacking
- Cooler required
- No stove
- Low water
- A few dishes
- Prep ahead
Ingredients
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Gear you'll need
- Campfire grill grate
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
- 2 small bowls
- Cutting board and knife
Steps
-
Build the coal bed
Burn hardwood down to glowing coals, about 30 minutes. Spread them out, with a hotter side and a milder side. You want medium heat: you can hold your hand at grate height for about 5 seconds.
-
Season the chicken
Toss the drumsticks with 1 tablespoon oil, the salt, pepper and paprika. Wash your hands and the bowl after handling the raw chicken.
-
Simmer the glaze
In a small pot, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar and pepper flakes. Simmer at the edge of the fire for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly syrupy. Pour half into a clean bowl for serving and keep the rest for basting.
-
Cook without glaze
Set the grate 6 to 8 inches over the coals. Cook the drumsticks 20 minutes, turning every 5 to 6 minutes. Move them to the cooler side if flames flare up.
-
Glaze and turn
Brush the basting glaze on all sides. Keep cooking 10 to 12 minutes, turning and brushing every 3 minutes. Stop brushing once the chicken is nearly done.
-
Check the temperature
Push an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part, not touching bone. It must read at least 165°F. Many people cook drumsticks to 175°F for more tender meat.
-
Char the scallions
Toss the scallions with the remaining oil. Lay them on the grate for the last 3 minutes, turning once, until blistered and soft.
-
Rest and serve
Rest the chicken on a clean plate for 5 minutes. Pile it with the scallions, drizzle with the reserved clean glaze, and top with sesame seeds and lime.
Trail Notes
Mix the glaze at home and carry it in a leakproof jar. Season the drumsticks in a zip bag and freeze them. They will help keep the cooler cold and thaw by dinner on day one or two.
Raw chicken must stay at 40°F or below. If your cooler is not holding ice, cook the drumsticks the first night or swap in shelf-stable chunks of smoked sausage.
Bone-in chicken thighs work, but give them 10 to 15 extra minutes. Wings cook faster, about 25 minutes total.
Let coals burn down to white ash and drown them until cold to the touch. Pack out the bones and any scraps. Do not toss them in the fire ring or woods.
Round out your camp day
Picked to work with the same kit as this recipe.
BreakfastCast-Iron Vegan Tofu Scramble Breakfast Tacos with Black Beans and Avocado
LunchGriddle Chicken Shawarma-Style Pitas with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Snack or treatCast-Iron Chili Mac Corn Chip Pie with Cheddar and Pickled JalapeñosMore one-burner camping meals →Planning a trip? Get the free 3-day meal plan →
Campers ask
How long do chicken drumsticks take over a campfire?
About 30 to 40 minutes over medium coals, turning often. Go by temperature: at least 165°F in the thickest part.
How do I keep honey glaze from burning on the campfire?
Cook the chicken mostly through first and brush the glaze on only in the last 10 to 12 minutes. Turn often and move to the cooler side if it darkens too fast.
Can I cook drumsticks on a camp stove instead?
Yes. Use a lidded skillet over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally, then glaze for the last 5 minutes. Check for 165°F before serving.
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