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Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Sugar

Description

This Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe offers a flavorful and healthy take on a classic favorite. Coated in a blend of aromatic spices and smoked paprika, then baked to juicy perfection and finished with a sugar-free BBQ sauce glaze, these drumsticks are perfect for a delicious family meal or casual gathering. With simple preparation and easy cleanup, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Spice Rub

  • 4 pounds Chicken drumsticks, about 12 pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons Onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons Chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper

Sauce

  • 2 cups Sugar-free BBQ sauce, or low sugar


Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Using clean hands, rub the seasoning mixture generously all over each drumstick to ensure even coating and flavor penetration.
  2. Marinate: Refrigerate the seasoned drumsticks for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the spices to deeply infuse the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.
  3. Preheat the oven and prepare pan: While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a roasting tin with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack inside the tin to elevate the drumsticks, allowing heat circulation and even cooking.
  4. Arrange and bake: Arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack with a little space between each piece. Place the tray in the middle of the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all sides.
  5. Apply BBQ sauce and finish baking: Once the initial bake is complete, remove the chicken from the oven and brush each drumstick generously with the sugar-free BBQ sauce. Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Flip the drumsticks and brush the other side with extra sauce, then bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce is set and slightly caramelized.
  6. Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy these flavorful and juicy BBQ chicken drumsticks as the star of your meal.

Notes

  • Serving size is 2 drumsticks per person.
  • Oven temperatures can vary; you might need to cook the drumsticks an additional 15-20 minutes for full doneness. Alternatively, raise the oven temperature to 400°F for a shorter cook time and crisper skin.
  • Substitutes: You can replace drumsticks with chicken breasts or thighs if preferred.
  • Use your favorite healthy or sugar-free BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
  • For longer storage, freeze the cooked drumsticks in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 drumsticks (approx. 150g)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg