Description
This recipe for Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks features tender chicken drumsticks seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, then baked to perfection and coated with a delicious sugar-free BBQ sauce. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal that's easy to prepare and full of smoky, spicy flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Sauce
- 2 cups sugar-free BBQ sauce or low sugar BBQ sauce
Instructions
- 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. Use your clean hands to rub the seasoning mixture generously all over the drumsticks to ensure even coating.
- Marinate: Refrigerate the seasoned drumsticks for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat for a more flavorful result.
- Preheat the Oven: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a roasting tin with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange Drumsticks: Transfer the chicken drumsticks to the prepared roasting tin. Place them on a wire rack arranged with some space between each drumstick to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the drumsticks in the middle of the oven for 50 minutes, flipping them halfway through to promote even browning and cooking.
- Apply BBQ Sauce and Continue Baking: After the initial baking time, remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush each with a generous layer of BBQ sauce. Return them to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, then flip the drumsticks, brush with more BBQ sauce, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked and sauced, remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serving size is 2 drumsticks per person.
- Ovens vary, so you may need to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for faster cooking.
- Chicken breast or thighs can be used as substitutes for drumsticks.
- Use your favorite healthy BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Leftovers can also be frozen in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
