Best Saucy Barbecue Drumsticks Recipes

GRILLED BBQ CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Steps:

• Make the bbq seasoning spice blend by measuring out the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne powder (if using), and adding each to a small dish. Stir with a spoon.
• Pat each chicken drumstick with a few paper towels to fully dry the skin. Drizzle the chicken with oil and season with the spice blend. Mix well to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly.
• Gas grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Add the chicken drumsticks to clean, well-oiled grates, and cook. Turn each piece after a few minutes, until the skin is browned and crispy on all sides. Lower the heat to medium low (about 300°F), and close the grill. Cook for about 25 minutes, stopping halfway through to turn the chicken once.Charcoal grill: Create two heat zones (one with medium high heat and one with medium-low heat) by moving most of the charcoal to one side of the grill. Begin by placing the pieces of chicken directly over the heat source, turning every few minutes as the skin browns. Once the skin is browned and crispy, move the chicken away from the heat source, to the indirect (medium-low) heat zone. Cover and cook for about 25 more minutes, stopping halfway through to turn the chicken.
• Last, brush each piece of chicken with the bbq sauce. Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (~74°C), then serve immediately!

OVEN BBQ CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place drumsticks in a baking dish.
• Whisk water, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, butter, salt, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and chili powder together in a bowl; pour mixture over drumsticks. Cover with aluminum foil.
• Bake in preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 1 hour, turning chicken about halfway through. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

BARBECUE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Steps:

• Make the chicken: Combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika and cumin in a small bowl. Season the chicken all over with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, then rub all over with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the barbecue sauce: Whisk the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, orange juice, garlic, molasses, hoisin sauce, mustard and chili powder in a small saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. (You should have 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups sauce.)
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling. Preheat a grill to medium and oil the grates. Grill the chicken, covered and turning occasionally, until lightly charred and a thermometer inserted into a drumstick (without touching the bone) registers 170 degrees F, 35 to 45 minutes, brushing with some of the barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Transfer to a platter and brush with more barbecue sauce. Serve with the remaining sauce.

CAROLINA BARBECUE DRUMSTICKS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and chili powder and cook until the garlic is softened, about 1 minute. Stir in the ketchup, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Stir to combine.
• Add the chicken to the sauce, turning to coat. Lower the heat to medium-low and keep at a steady simmer, adjusting the heat if necessary. Cover and cook, flipping the drumsticks halfway through, until the drumsticks are tender when pierced with a knife and the internal temperature registers 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer (avoid touching bone), 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the lid and continue to simmer until the sauce is as thick as molasses, turning the drumsticks several times to coat well and to keep from sticking, about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate and serve immediately.

BAKED BBQ CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne together in a large bowl. Add drumsticks and toss to coat. Spread out on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and brush with barbeque sauce. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Flip drumsticks, brush with barbeque sauce, and bake an additional 7 to 8 minutes.
• Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and turn on the oven's broiler.
• Brush drumsticks with more barbeque sauce and broil for 3 to 4 minutes. Flip drumsticks, brush with barbeque sauce, and broil until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 3 to 4 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).