Step 1

In a resealable plastic bag, place chicken, 2 cups buttermilk, garlic, 3 teaspoons salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and thyme. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2

Preheat oven to Line a rimmed sheet pan with aluminum foil; top with a wire rack. Spray with cooking spray. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade. Pat chicken dry; place on rack, and spray with cooking spray.

Step 3

Bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together melted butter, remaining 2 tablespoons buttermilk, honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Remove chicken from oven. Brush tops of drumsticks with butter mixture. Turn drumsticks, brush with butter mixture. Return to oven; bake 15 minutes more.

Step 4

To serve, squeeze lemon over drumsticks. Garnish with thyme, and serve with remaining butter mixture.