Drumsticks: Unfussy BBQ Chicken

Straightforward BBQ Chicken Drumsticks only in time for the 4th of July! In this especially simple recipe, chicken drumsticks simmer in a short from-scratch bbq sauce before being transferred to the grill for caramelization and a kiss of char. Serves 10 but could also serve 20 depending on the serving size.

All I want is food that is grilled.

Like most, it’s too hot to heat the oven and you can forget about standing over a pot of anything on the stove. Sure, most of have central air but it’s so nice out and I strongly dislike having our air on (didn’t I wait all winter for weather like this?) and would much rather having the windows open so I can hear the birds and smell the fresh cut grass.

With that said, thank heavens someone invented the grill because that is where we do 99.9% of the cooking in the summer months.

Whether having a low-key barbecue or only looking for a savory uncomplicated weeknight meal, this method for bbq chicken drumsticks is ridiculously simple and yields moist and well-seasoned saucy chicken. It starts with a short from-scratch barbecue sauce in which you will brilliantly simmer chicken drumsticks (drumsticks because they are the most fun to eat 😉) until they are fully cooked. Right before serving, the drumsticks take a short trip to the grill where you will baste them with the reserved barbecue sauce until sticky and caramelized. Have mercy.

Any leftover barbecue sauce and be frozen for later or use throughout the week with grilled chicken, steak or seafood.

For this Straightforward BBQ Chicken Drumstick Recipe Gather:

• tomato puree – The base for this sauce. Tomato-based sauces have a sweeter flavor which works well with meats such as pork ribs or chicken.
• dark brown sugar – Adds sweetness, richness and will caramelize when grilled.
• low-sodium soy sauce – Adds saltiness, umami and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
• apple cider vinegar – This will cut the sweetness while lending a little tang.
• un-sulphured molasses – Will thicken the texture of the sauce and will lend sweetness.
• liquid smoke – Will impart a smoky flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds a mixture of sour, sweet and subtly spicy flavors.
• chili powder – Adds flavor and can be mild to moderately spicy.
• bone-in and skin-on chicken drumsticks – Dark and a fattier meat which tends to juicer and more savory in comparison to chicken breast.

In a large pot measure and add; 2 cups tomato puree, 1 cup dark brown sugar, 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons un-sulphured molasses, 2 tablespoons liquid smoke, 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon chili powder

The biggest difference is consistency. Tomato puree is thicker consistency and has a deeper flavor than sauce. Tomato sauce usually contains a form of seasoning (typically salt, garlic, onion and/or basil) whereas tomato puree does not.

Bring the sauce to a low boil over medium-high heat. Using tongs, add 3 to 3-1/2 pounds of chicken drumsticks into the sauce.

Toss to coat.

Reduce the heat, cover and simmer over low to medium-low heat for 30 to 35 minutes.

Ta-dah! Fully cooked and now ready for the grill!

But first, preheat your grill to 400-425°.

Transfer the cooked chicken drumsticks to a rimmed baking sheet along with 1 cup of that barbecue sauce.

Use tongs and a wad of paper towel that has been dipped into olive oil to grease the grill grates.

Grill the chicken until grill marks form and the chicken can easily be turned.

Brush with the sauce and repeat this until caramelized.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to grease the grates. Skin will stick, but it will be less if the grates are greased.

Once the chicken has been grilled and is saucy, remove the chicken and serve.

It’s genuinely that unfussy.

The sauce is Deeply good! It reminds me of old school Open Pit when I was little. However, it’s been years since I’ve had that sauce but that’s exactly where my tastebuds took me back to.

Worth the pot. In under an hour you have made deliciously saucy chicken drumsticks that will no doubt have you licking your fingers after!

• potato salad
• baked beans
• pasta salad
• salad
• french fries
• green beans

Enjoy! And if you give this Unfussy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!