As the sun sets and summer’s warmth fills your backyard, nothing beats the smell of BBQ chicken drumsticks on the grill. This recipe is your key to a tasty meal that will delight everyone. It’s perfect for any outdoor event or family dinner.
The chicken is tender and juicy, smothered in a rich BBQ sauce. It’s easy to make, so you can spend more time with your loved ones. Enjoy making memories with this crowd-pleasing dish.
Key Takeaways
- This BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is ideal for summer gatherings.
- Homemade BBQ sauce adds a delicious, personal touch.
- Preparing these grilled drumsticks takes just 10 minutes of prep time.
- Juicy and tender chicken legs make any meal special.
- Perfect for impressing family and friends at cookouts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe will quickly become a favorite. Each drumstick is smothered in homemade BBQ sauce. This sauce is full of flavor and has a perfect mix of sweet and savory.
Flavor-packed, finger‑licking BBQ sauce
The BBQ sauce is the main attraction. It’s made with tomato sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and mustard. This mix creates a tangy, sweet sauce that sticks to the chicken. Every bite is full of flavor.
Juicy drumsticks with a perfect char
Grilling these drumsticks keeps them moist and tender. The grilling also adds a beautiful char. This char enhances the BBQ sauce’s flavor, making each bite unforgettable.
Simple prep and cook time (under 45 minutes)
This recipe is easy to prepare, taking just 10 minutes. It cooks in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy days or weekend meals. It’s quick, delicious, and easy to fit into your schedule.
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Making delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks is easier than you think. This simple recipe shows you what you need and how to do it. It makes cooking fun and rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 15 ounces (425g) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 12 large chicken drumsticks, pat dry
Instructions
Recipe Tips & Variations
Make your BBQ Chicken Drumsticks even better with a few tweaks. These tips can help you tailor the dish to your liking or make cooking easier. Check out the variations below for a delicious twist.
Adjust sweetness/tanginess (sugar/vinegar ratio)
Want a sweet and tangy mix? Play with the sugar and vinegar in your BBQ sauce. More sugar means sweeter, while vinegar adds tanginess. Find the perfect balance that makes the chicken taste amazing.
Spice it up: add chili flakes or cayenne
Give your drumsticks a spicy kick with chili flakes or cayenne. This adds heat without drowning out the BBQ sauce. It makes every bite a flavorful delight.
Make it smoky: brush with liquid smoke before grilling
Want smoky flavor without a grill? Brush your drumsticks with liquid smoke before cooking. It gives a real grilling taste, making your chicken irresistible.
Oven-baked version (for no-grill days)
No grill? No problem. The oven-baked version keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Just set your oven to 400°F and cook for the same time. You’ll get great results without a grill.
Prep & Cook Time + Nutrition
When you’re making BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, knowing the prep and cook times is key. This recipe fits well into your schedule. It doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
The prep time for this dish is just 10 minutes. You can use this time to get all your ingredients ready. Also, prepare the marinade for the drumsticks. This lets the flavors mix while you heat up your grill or oven.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Your cook time will be about 30 minutes. This ensures the chicken is cooked perfectly. It also gives it that tasty char and flavor you love.
Total Time: 40 minutes
From start to finish, you’re looking at 40 minutes. This is how long it takes to have these delicious drumsticks ready. They make for a wonderful experience for you and your guests.
Serving Suggestions
When thinking about serving suggestions for your BBQ chicken drumsticks, variety can elevate your meal to new heights. By incorporating classic sides along with some modern options, you’ll create a balanced plate that caters to different preferences.
Classic sides like coleslaw and corn on the cob
Classic sides play an essential role in complementing the flavors of BBQ chicken. Coleslaw offers a crunchy texture and tangy taste that offset the savory drumsticks beautifully. Corn on the cob, slathered in butter, adds a sweet note that pairs perfectly with the rich BBQ sauce.
Sweet potato fries or grilled veggies
For a healthier twist, consider adding sweet potato fries to your plate. Their natural sweetness and crispness lend an exciting contrast to the smoky flavors of the chicken. Grilled veggies serve as another excellent side option, providing a colorful and nutritious balance that enhances your meal.
Fresh green salad for lighter fare
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing, a fresh green salad is the way to go. Toss together mixed greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a zesty dressing. This fresh salad not only enhances the meal’s visual appeal but also offers a bright and healthy option to cut through the richness of the BBQ chicken.
| Serving Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Coleslaw | Crispy cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing, perfect for balancing flavors. |
| Corn on the Cob | Sweet and buttery, a classic side that pairs well with BBQ. |
| Sweet Potato Fries | Crispy fries that add a sweet contrast to the barbecue chicken. |
| Grilled Veggies | A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables, adding nutrition and taste. |
| Fresh Green Salad | Light and refreshing, this salad adds a crisp element to your plate. |
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Proper storage of your BBQ Chicken Drumsticks keeps them tasty for later. Follow these steps to keep their flavor and quality. You can refrigerate them for up to three days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Cool them completely before freezing to keep their taste and texture.
Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in airtight container
After your meal, put leftover drumsticks in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents other smells from getting in.
Freeze: Up to 3 months (cool completely before freezing)
Freezing is great for longer storage. Make sure the drumsticks are cool to prevent ice crystals. Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing air for better storage.
Reheat: Grill or oven at 350 °F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through
Reheat your drumsticks by grilling or oven at 350°F. Warm them for 10 to 15 minutes. This method makes them taste as fresh as when first cooked.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this delightful BBQ Chicken Drumsticks , it’s clear that these juicy, grilled drumsticks are more than just a meal—they’re a delicious centerpiece for any gathering. The combination of easy preparation and irresistible summer flavors makes this dish an absolute winner for backyard cookouts or cozy family dinners.
Imagine friends and family gathered around the grill, the scent of your BBQ Chicken Drumsticks wafting through the air, and laughter filling the space. This recipe not only enhances your culinary skills but also creates memories that last long after the last bite. So, fire up that grill and give this recipe a try; you won’t regret adding such a flavorful dish to your repertoire!
If you’re planning a well-rounded cookout menu, pair it with a comforting side like creamy garlic mashed potatoes or round things out with a healthy alternative like lemon herb chicken with quinoa. Looking for more homestyle dinner inspiration? Don’t miss our classic meatloaf with tangy glaze. With these delicious options, every meal becomes a moment worth savoring.
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 15 ounces 425g tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 100g light brown sugar
- 1 cup 240ml low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 12 large chicken drumsticks pat dry
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine tomato sauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and mustard. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside some sauce in a cup.
- Preheat and grease the grill grates with oil. Heat the grill to high heat. Place the chicken drumsticks on the grill. The chicken is already cooked, so you're just looking to char the skin. Brush some extra BBQ sauce on the chicken as you grill, rotating the drumsticks until lightly charred on each side. This should only take a few minutes if the grill is hot enough.
- Serve the BBQ chicken drumsticks with your favorite BBQ side dishes.
