If you’re looking for a sticky sweet potluck recipe, something that’s easy to make, shareable, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, I’ve got a great suggestion! Sticky Sweet BBQ Chicken Drumsticks or Sweet Sticky Cinnamon Rolls are always popular at potlucks. Here’s a recipe for both, so you can choose which one fits your taste!
Sticky Sweet BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These chicken drumsticks are covered in a sticky, sweet BBQ sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 12 chicken drumsticks (or more, depending on the crowd)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup honey (for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds depth to the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of smokiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, and paprika. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Coat Drumsticks: Place the drumsticks on the baking sheet. Brush them generously with the sweet BBQ sauce mixture.
- Bake: Bake the drumsticks for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through and brushing them with more sauce during the last 10 minutes for extra stickiness.
- Finish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and sticky, remove from the oven. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and watch them disappear!
Sticky Sweet Cinnamon Rolls (Perfect for Dessert Potluck)
These gooey, cinnamon-sugar-filled rolls are topped with a sweet icing that makes them irresistible!
Ingredients for the Rolls:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F or 45°C)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Ingredients for the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Ingredients for the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, salt, eggs, and yeast mixture. Gradually add the flour and cinnamon until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 4-5 minutes.
- Let Dough Rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together.
- Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle. Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over it.
- Roll and Cut: Roll the dough tightly from one edge to the other, and then cut it into 12 even slices.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Make the Glaze: While the rolls are baking, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Drizzle over the rolls while they’re still warm.
- Serve: Serve these sticky, sweet rolls warm, and watch them vanish in minutes!
Tips for Both Recipes:
- For BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: If you’re short on time, you can also cook the drumsticks in a slow cooker with the sauce and cook on low for about 4 hours.
- For Cinnamon Rolls: These rolls can be made ahead! After cutting them, you can refrigerate them overnight and bake them fresh in the morning. The glaze can be prepared and stored separately.
Both of these dishes are perfect for a potluck because they’re easy to make, transport well, and are sure to please a crowd. The BBQ chicken drumsticks will satisfy those looking for a savory option, while the cinnamon rolls will be a sweet hit for dessert lovers!
Which one are you leaning towards making? Or do you want a variation of either?
