Description
These Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful and healthy option for a satisfying meal. Coated with a homemade spice rub and baked to perfection, then glazed with sugar-free BBQ sauce, they offer a perfectly balanced smoky and spicy taste. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, these drumsticks are juicy, tender, and bursting with robust flavors without excess sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 pounds Chicken drumsticks, about 12
- 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
BBQ Glaze
- 2 cups Sugar-free BBQ sauce, or low sugar
Instructions
- Season the drumsticks: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken drumsticks with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to thoroughly rub the seasoning all over each drumstick ensuring even coverage.
- Marinate: Refrigerate the seasoned drumsticks for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Preheat oven and prepare tray: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a roasting tin with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack inside the tin to elevate chicken for even cooking.
- Arrange and bake: Transfer the drumsticks onto the wire rack spacing them out evenly to promote air circulation. Bake in the middle rack of the oven for 40-50 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
- Apply BBQ sauce glaze: Remove drumsticks from the oven and brush each one generously with the sugar-free BBQ sauce. Return them to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Flip and repeat glazing: Flip the drumsticks again, brush with BBQ sauce, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your juicy, flavorful BBQ chicken drumsticks!
Notes
- Serving size is 2 drumsticks.
- Oven temperatures can vary; you might need an additional 15-20 minutes of baking or increase the temperature to 400°F for crispier skin.
- Substitutes: You can use chicken breasts or thighs if preferred.
- Use any favorite healthy, low-sugar BBQ sauce for glazing.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave before eating.
- For longer storage, freeze cooked drumsticks in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks (approx. 140g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
