Best BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe are a tasty dish with juicy chicken coated in a rich barbecue sauce that balances sweetness and smokiness.

This recipe brings out bold flavours and tender meat. The idea to make this came from seeing others cook similar dishes and wanting to try it myself.

Now, the detailed steps will be shared to guide through the process, making it easy to prepare this flavourful meal at home.

BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

This BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe stands out for its rich, homemade barbecue sauce that perfectly balances sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours.

The main speciality lies in the sauce’s unique blend of ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika, which create a deep, complex taste that coats the juicy, tender drumsticks beautifully.

The careful seasoning and slow baking allow the sauce to caramelise, resulting in a mouthwatering, flavourful crust that elevates simple chicken into a memorable dish.

How To Prepare BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American / BBQ

Yield: Serves 4 people

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Baking tray or oven-safe dish
• Parchment paper or foil
• Small saucepan (for BBQ sauce)
• Basting brush
• Tongs

Ingredients

For The Chicken Drumsticks:

• 6 bone in, skin on chicken drumsticks
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced

For The Homemade BBQ Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar (or dark muscovado sugar)
• 1 tbsp molasses & honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of chili powder
• 2–3 tbsp water (to thin the sauce if needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Get The Oven Ready

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier later. Use paper towels to pat the chicken drumsticks dry this helps them crisp up better in the oven.

Step 2: Season The Chicken

Place the drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on some salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together so the chicken is well coated with the spices. Lay them out on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there’s a bit of space between each piece.

Step 3: Make The BBQ Sauce

While the chicken starts roasting, get your BBQ sauce going. In a small pot over medium heat, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, honey, Dijon mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and your favourite BBQ spices. Let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens up. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of water. Once it’s ready, take it off the heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Bake And Baste

Roast the drumsticks for 25 minutes. Take them out and brush them all over with the BBQ sauce. Put them back in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes, brushing on more sauce halfway through. The chicken should be nicely caramelised and cooked through (look for an internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Once they’re out of the oven, let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with some sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve them up with your go to sides think cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled veggies.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Amazing Serving Ideas

1. Serve alongside creamy coleslaw for a refreshing, crunchy contrast.

2. Pair with grilled corn on the cob brushed in herb butter.

3. Plate over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes to soak up extra sauce.

4. Add pickled vegetables on the side to balance the smoky flavours.

5. Toss together a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a light finish.

Pro Tips And Tricks

➢ Marinate the drumsticks overnight to deepen flavor and tenderness.

➢ Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

➢ Apply BBQ sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

➢ Sear the drumsticks first to create a crispy skin before baking or grilling.

➢ Adjust the spice level of the sauce by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.

How To Make BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Tastier?

Enhancing the flavor of BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe can be done by marinating the chicken overnight in a mixture of spices and olive oil to deepen the taste.

Adding a splash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce brings a smoky heat that complements the sweetness.

Basting the drumsticks multiple times during cooking helps build a sticky, caramelised glaze. Using fresh garlic and onion in the sauce enriches the aroma.

Finishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or green onions adds a burst of freshness.

Why Peoples Like BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?

People like BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe because it combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, flavourful sauce that offers a wonderful balance of sweetness, smokiness, and tang.

The crispy skin and succulent meat create a satisfying texture that appeals to many. The homemade sauce adds a unique, fresh taste compared to store bought options, making the dish feel special and comforting.

This BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is simple enough to enjoy regularly while still delivering delicious, crowd-pleasing results every time.

How To Store Leftovers BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?

Leftover BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe need to cool completely before storage. Store them in an airtight container to keep freshness.

Refrigeration preserves flavor and texture for up to four days. For extended storage, wrap each drumstick tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze.

Reheating in an oven or air fryer helps maintain crispness while preventing the chicken from drying out, keeping the sauce flavourful and the meat tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This easy BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is a delicious success that anyone can enjoy making at home.

I hope it inspires you to try it yourself because the flavours are truly amazing. I’m sure once you make it, you’ll love how tasty and satisfying it turns out.

Don’t forget to come back and tell me how delicious your drumsticks were after you try this BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe!

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BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Samia

BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe feature tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful homemade barbecue sauce made from ketchup, molasses, spices, and vinegar. The drumsticks are seasoned, baked, and basted to create a caramelized, smoky glaze. This recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy classic BBQ flavours in a satisfying main course.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Main Course

Cuisine American/BBQ

Servings 4 people

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking tray or oven-safe dish
• Parchment paper or foil
• Small saucepan (for BBQ sauce)
• Basting brush
• Tongs

Ingredients

  

For The Chicken Drumsticks:

• 6 bone in skin on chicken drumsticks
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 green onions thinly sliced

For The Homemade BBQ Sauce:

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp brown sugar or dark muscovado sugar
• 1 tbsp molasses & honey
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 clove garlic minced
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of chili powder
• 2 –3 tbsp water to thin the sauce if needed

Instructions

 

Step 1: Get The Oven Ready

• Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to make cleanup easier later. Use paper towels to pat the chicken drumsticks dry this helps them crisp up better in the oven.

Step 2: Season The Chicken

• Place the drumsticks in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on some salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together so the chicken is well coated with the spices. Lay them out on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure there’s a bit of space between each piece.

Step 3: Make The BBQ Sauce

• While the chicken starts roasting, get your BBQ sauce going. In a small pot over medium heat, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, honey, Dijon mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and your favourite BBQ spices. Let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens up. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of water. Once it’s ready, take it off the heat and set it aside.

Step 4: Bake And Baste

• Roast the drumsticks for 25 minutes. Take them out and brush them all over with the BBQ sauce. Put them back in the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes, brushing on more sauce halfway through. The chicken should be nicely caramelised and cooked through (look for an internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).

Step 5: Finish And Serve

• Once they’re out of the oven, let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with some sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve them up with your go to sides think cornbread, coleslaw, or grilled veggies.

Notes

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 25g | Sugar: 10g | Sodium: 700mg

Keyword BBQ Sauce Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Samia

“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”