Description
These Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a deliciously flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken coated in a homemade cola BBQ sauce. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, they are ideal for gatherings or a comforting family meal and can be served hot or cold with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
BBQ Sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup cola (such as Dr Pepper, Coke, or Root Beer)
- ½ cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil, for drizzling or spraying
Garnish
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Make the BBQ Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, cola, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a drizzle or light spray of olive oil until evenly coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Apply the BBQ Sauce: After 25 minutes, remove the drumsticks from the oven and generously brush the cola BBQ sauce on all sides of each drumstick. Return them to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, basting once more halfway through if desired, until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is caramelized and sticky.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides, or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Notes
- These baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are extremely versatile and pair well with a wide variety of sides like coleslaw, baked potatoes, or grilled vegetables.
- The homemade cola BBQ sauce adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor that sets this recipe apart from traditional BBQ sauces.
- You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- For extra crispiness, you may broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers taste great cold and can be eaten straight from the fridge for a quick snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 4-6 drumsticks)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
