How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
American · Easy · 55 min · 4 servings
These 3 ingredient BBQ chicken drumsticks are sticky, saucy, and finger-licking good with minimal prep and maximum flavor. A simple coating of BBQ sauce and garlic powder transforms everyday drumsticks into a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will devour.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 55 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 360 calories with 30g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil, placing a wire rack on top. Pat the drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, garlic powder, and a drizzle of oil, then arrange on the rack.
Step 2: Bake and Sauce
Bake the drumsticks for 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the skin begins to crisp. Remove from oven and brush generously with half of the BBQ sauce on all sides. Return to oven and bake for 10 more minutes.
Step 3: Final Glaze and Rest
Remove drumsticks from the oven, brush with the remaining BBQ sauce, and return to the oven for a final 5 minutes until the sauce is caramelized, sticky, and dark. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- BBQ sauce → teriyaki sauce or buffalo sauce for completely different flavor profiles
- chicken drumsticks → chicken thighs or wings adjusting cook time accordingly
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not patting the chicken dry before cooking which prevents the skin from crisping and causes the sauce to slide off
- Adding all the BBQ sauce at the beginning which causes it to burn before the chicken is fully cooked through
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 360 calories, 30g protein, 22g carbs, 16g fat, 0g fiber.
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