barbecue chicken drumsticks recipe

barbecue chicken drumsticks recipe

The Best barbecue chicken drumsticks recipe

I am so excited to share with you my favorite barbecue chicken drumsticks recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The moment I start marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika, I know we’re in for a treat.

The combination of flavors is simply irresistible, and the tender, juicy chicken is always a crowd-pleaser. I love how easy it is to make this recipe – just toss the chicken with the marinade, let it sit for a bit, and then throw it on the grill or in the oven. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday gathering.

Plus, it’s incredibly healthy – the chicken is low in calories and rich in protein, making it an excellent choice for families looking for wholesome meals. And let’s not forget about the health benefits of grilled food – it’s an excellent way to get some extra vitamins and minerals into our diets. My kids absolutely adore this recipe, and they can’t get enough of the tangy BBQ sauce that I serve with it.

In fact, I often joke that this dish is so good that even my pickiest eaters will ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!) The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time – just marinate the chicken in the morning, throw it on the grill or in the oven later that day, and serve up a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a tasty dinner solution, this recipe is sure to be a hit. And if you’re looking for more ways to get your family involved in cooking, consider letting them help with the prep work – they can easily mix up the marinade or help with the grilling process.

Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

4.8 from 1091 votes

Juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a tangy homemade barbecue sauce and baked until caramelized. This easy recipe delivers tender meat with a sticky, smoky glaze perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Barbecue Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
5Whisk and bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
7Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and brush each drumstick generously with the barbecue sauce, coating all sides.
8Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
9Brush with additional sauce halfway through for extra glaze.
10Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
11Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Small saucepan
Whisk
Basting brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 15g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke to the sauce. You can also grill the drumsticks over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, turning and basting frequently, instead of baking.

Watch Video Of How Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks Works

This barbecue chicken drumsticks recipe has become a staple in our household over the years.

Not only does it taste amazing straight from the grill (or oven), but it also makes a fantastic leftovers option – try reheating them in some BBQ sauce and serving over rice or noodles for an easy meal prep solution.

One of my favorite storage ideas is to package leftover drumsticks in individual containers and freeze them until needed – they’re perfect for busy nights when we don’t have time to cook from scratch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

What type of wood chips should I use for smoking?

You can use any type of wood chips you like – hickory is classic but other options like applewood or cherrywood work well too.

Can I make this recipe without BBQ sauce?

Of course! While BBQ sauce adds an amazing flavor to this dish, you can easily omit it if you prefer.

How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

The longer you marinate the chicken, the better it will taste – at least 30 minutes is recommended but several hours or even overnight works well too.

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?

You can use either drumsticks or boneless breasts – just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Nope! This recipe calls for chicken so vegetarians won’t be able to enjoy it.

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