Description
Tender and flavorful baked BBQ chicken drumsticks infused with a smoky, spicy seasoning blend and finished with a sweet, sugar-free BBQ sauce. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, making a healthy and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pounds Chicken drumsticks, about 12 pieces
Seasoning
- 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, add the chicken drumsticks along with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Use your clean hands to generously rub the seasoning evenly all over each drumstick for maximum flavor.
- Marinate: Cover the seasoned drumsticks and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the dry rub to penetrate the meat deeply, enhancing taste.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a roasting tin with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, and prepare a wire rack to place inside the tin.
- Arrange drumsticks: Transfer the marinated drumsticks to the wire rack in the roasting tin, spacing them evenly to allow heat circulation for even cooking.
- Bake the chicken: Place the roasting tin on the middle rack of the oven. Bake the drumsticks for 40-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning and cooking.
- Apply BBQ sauce: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush each piece generously with the sugar-free BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Flip and baste again: Flip the drumsticks, brush again with BBQ sauce, and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This double basting step creates a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and caramelized with the BBQ sauce, remove from oven and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Serving size is 2 drumsticks per person.
- Oven temperatures may vary; you might need to cook the drumsticks an additional 15-20 minutes or increase the temperature to 400°F (204°C) for crispier skin.
- Chicken breasts or thighs can be substituted if preferred.
- Use your favorite healthy BBQ sauce that suits your dietary needs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- For longer storage, place cooked drumsticks in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 drumsticks (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 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: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
