Description

These Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken drumsticks coated in a homemade cola-infused BBQ sauce. The combination of ketchup, cola, honey, and spices creates a sweet and tangy glaze that perfectly complements the smoky seasoning on the chicken. Baked until juicy and caramelized, these drumsticks are perfect for a casual family dinner or a weekend barbecue.

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

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, cola, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Season the Chicken: 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 of olive oil until evenly coated.
Arrange and Bake: Place the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly drizzle or spray olive oil over them. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, turning once halfway through for even cooking.
Apply BBQ Sauce and Finish Baking: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush generously with the prepared cola BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, basting with more sauce halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the drumsticks from the oven and sprinkle with the thinly sliced green onions. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot with your favorite sides or sandwiches.

Notes

These baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are versatile and pair well with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread.
The homemade cola BBQ sauce adds a unique, sweet, and tangy flavor that is distinct from traditional BBQ sauces.
Drumsticks can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated, making them great for meal prep or leftovers.
For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix or sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drumstick (approx. 150g)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg