Description
These Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Coated in a robust blend of garlic, onion, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground ginger, then baked to perfection and brushed with a sugar-free BBQ sauce, these drumsticks offer a deliciously smoky and spicy taste without the extra sugars. Perfect for a family meal or casual gatherings, they are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone’s BBQ cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 pounds Chicken drumsticks (about 12 pieces)
- 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 drumsticks: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Using clean hands, thoroughly rub the seasoning blend all over each drumstick to coat evenly.
- Marinate: Refrigerate the seasoned drumsticks for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- Prepare to bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a roasting tin with aluminum foil for easier cleaning, and place a wire rack on top to arrange the drumsticks.
- Arrange drumsticks: Transfer the marinated chicken drumsticks onto the wire rack, spacing them apart to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the drumsticks: Place the roasting tin in the middle of the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Flip the drumsticks halfway through baking to promote even cooking and browning.
- First BBQ sauce application: After the initial baking time, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Brush each drumstick generously with the sugar-free BBQ sauce. Return the tin to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes.
- Flip and second sauce application: Flip the drumsticks once more, brush with BBQ sauce again, and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to deeply infuse the sauce.
- Serve: Once fully cooked and caramelized, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your healthy and delicious baked BBQ chicken drumsticks!
Notes
- Serving size is 2 drumsticks per person.
- Oven temperatures vary; if the chicken isn’t fully cooked after the recommended time, continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F to reduce cooking time.
- Chicken breast or thighs can be used as substitutions for the drumsticks if preferred.
- Use your favorite healthy or sugar-free BBQ sauce to keep the recipe nutritious.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave before serving.
- You can freeze cooked drumsticks in ziplock bags for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks (approx. 180-200g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
