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Crispy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Easy Tangy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

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This recipe features crispy grilled chicken drumsticks paired with a tangy homemade BBQ sauce that is quick, simple, and delicious. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or a weeknight meal, it balances smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors with a crispy skin and juicy interior.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the 8 chicken drumsticks. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the drumsticks. Massage the spices into the skin and let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. While the chicken is resting, whisk together ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash.
  5. Place drumsticks on grill grates, skin side down. Grill for about 15 minutes, turning every 4-5 minutes to avoid burning. Watch for flare-ups and move drumsticks to cooler parts if needed.
  6. During the last 10 minutes of grilling, brush the drumsticks with the homemade BBQ sauce frequently to build a sticky glaze.
  7. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick; it should read 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove drumsticks from grill and let rest covered loosely with foil for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat drumsticks dry before seasoning for crispier skin. Avoid overcrowding the grill to prevent steaming. Turn drumsticks frequently to cook evenly and avoid burning the sauce. Use indirect heat to finish cooking and prevent sauce burning. Make BBQ sauce a day ahead for deeper flavor. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to control flare-ups. Oven-baking alternative: bake at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes, basting with sauce during last 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken drumsticks, BBQ sauce, homemade BBQ sauce, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, outdoor grilling, summer recipe

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/crispy-grilled-chicken-drumsticks-easy-tangy-homemade-bbq-sauce-recipe/