Sticky Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks: A Flavor-Packed Favorite

When it comes to crowd-pleasing dishes, few things beat the deliciously sticky and flavorful barbecue chicken drumsticks. Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or any casual gathering, these drumsticks are coated in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce and baked to perfection. Let’s dive into the recipe to create these mouthwatering drumsticks at home.

Ingredients:

12 chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Barbecue Sauce:

1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows the heat to circulate evenly around the drumsticks for a crispy finish.
Prepare the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss to coat the drumsticks evenly.
Arrange and Bake: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Make the Barbecue Sauce: While the drumsticks are baking, prepare the barbecue sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, minced garlic, mustard powder, black pepper, and hot sauce if using. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Glaze the Drumsticks: After 25 minutes, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Generously brush each drumstick with the prepared barbecue sauce. Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the drumsticks are nicely glazed and sticky.
Finish Under the Broiler: For extra caramelization, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the drumsticks to prevent burning.
Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them hot, with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired. These drumsticks pair well with coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad.

Tips and Variations:

Marinate Ahead: For even more flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the barbecue sauce for a few hours or overnight before baking.
Grill Option: These drumsticks can also be cooked on a grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the drumsticks for about 20-25 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes.
Honey Glaze: Add a few tablespoons of honey to the barbecue sauce for a sweeter, stickier glaze.

Serving Suggestions:

Sticky barbecue chicken drumsticks are perfect for any casual meal. Serve them at your next summer barbecue, family dinner, or game day party. They’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, thanks to their irresistible flavor and tender, juicy meat.