Healthy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
If you need a simple dinner that feels comforting and comes together without much fuss, these healthy BBQ chicken drumsticks are a great choice. They bake up juicy, sticky, and full of smoky-sweet flavor, with easy ingredients you can keep on hand for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet lined with foil or parchment
- 1 Wire rack optional
- 1 Paper towels
- 1 Meat thermometer optional
Ingredients
- 8 drumsticks chicken
- 0.5 cup barbecue sauce plus more for serving
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easier cleanup. If you have a wire rack, set it on the pan so the chicken cooks evenly and the skin can crisp a bit more.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Toss the drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Place the chicken on the prepared pan with space between each piece. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the drumsticks are nearly cooked through and the juices start to run clear.
- Brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce, then return them to the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes more so the sauce thickens and turns sticky.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. If you like, spoon a little extra sauce over the top and add a small splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness.
Notes
Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep extra sauce in a separate container if you want to refresh the flavor later.