Oven Cooked Chicken Drumsticks with Homemade BBQ Sauce

When summer BBQ flavor meets clean, intentional cooking, you get these crisp-skinned chicken drumsticks cooked to juicy perfection and slathered in homemade BBQ sauce that’s both Whole30®-compliant and keto-friendly. The recipe guides you through blending fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken bone broth, balsamic vinegar, coconut aminos, Dijon mustard, and a bold spice mix (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne) into a tangy, sticky sauce. Then the drumsticks are brushed, marinated, broiled for char, and finally baked until golden and cooked through.

What makes this dish especially compelling is how it retains the flavor and drama of outdoor grilling but from your oven—meaning you can enjoy that charred glaze and smoky depth year-round. Because the sauce skips sugar, corn syrup, and typical BBQ thickeners, and the chicken is simply seasoned and baked, the plate easily aligns with gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and clean-eating dietary goals (assuming you verify each packaged item).

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew, prepping ahead for a gathering, or simply seeking a dinner that packs bold flavor with minimal compromise, these drumsticks deliver. The marinade infuses while you go about your evening, and the oven steps give you that grilling result with indoor convenience.

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Oven Cooked Chicken Drumsticks With Homemade BBQ Sauce

Recipe Details

Yields: 3 to 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes (with marinating)

Drumsticks and BBQ Sauce Ingredients

For the BBQ sauce:

• 1 (15-ounce) can roasted tomatoes
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• ½ cup chicken bone broth
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the chicken:

• 6 chicken drumsticks
• Kosher salt
• Ground pepper

How to Make Chicken Drumsticks in the Oven

1. Make BBQ sauce: Whisk all ingredients in a small saucepan; simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until thick. Cool slightly, transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Make the drumsticks: Season drumsticks with salt and pepper. Lightly brush the chicken all over with the BBQ sauce; refrigerate at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
3. Preheat broiler and line a sheet tray with parchment paper. Arrange drumsticks on tray and lightly brush with BBQ sauce; broil 3 to 5 minutes. Once charred, flip over and broil for 3 minutes more; remove from oven.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F and brush drumsticks with more BBQ sauce. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip, brush with additional sauce, and cook until internal temperature is 165°F, about 15 minutes more. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
5. Note: Be sure to reserve dipping sauce in a separate bowl, so it’s not contaminated by the brushing sauce.

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Oven Cooked Chicken Drumsticks With Homemade BBQ Sauce Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 4 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1.5 drumsticks + sauce
Calories	≈ 380 kcal
Protein	≈ 32 g
Carbs	≈ 8 g
Sugar	≈ 4 g
Fiber	≈ 2 g
Fat	≈ 24 g

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Chicken Drumstick Variations & Tips

• Spice Adjustments: For milder flavor tone down the cayenne, or add extra smoked paprika for deeper smokiness without increasing heat.
• Protein Swap: Use thighs or even boneless chicken breasts—adjust baking time so breasts finish at 165°F and thighs at 175°F for safety.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Twist: Make the sauce as directed and brush it over roasted cauliflower florets or tofu “drumsticks” for a plant-forward version.
• Char Finish: If your broiler is strong, keep the drumsticks about 6” from the heat and rotate frequently to avoid burning during the char step.
• Make Ahead & Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Store sauce extra in a sealed jar for reheating and brushing before reheating leftovers to refresh glaze.
• Leftover Use: Shred extra chicken and toss in the sauce again for lettuce wraps, taco bowls, or chicken “BBQ salad” the next day.

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Best Chicken Drumstick Pairings

• Cauliflower mash or roasted sweet potato wedges: A creamy or satisfying “starch” option that keeps carbs moderate.
• Grilled zucchini or asparagus: Light, crisp veggies bring freshness alongside the rich drumsticks.
• Crunchy slaw with apple cider vinegar dressing: Bright, acidic side balances the smoky, savory sauce.
• Pickled red onions or quick-pickle cucumbers: Tangy hits refresh the palate after each bite.
• Chilled sparkling water with lime or unsweetened iced tea: To cleanse the palate and keep the meal feeling bold but clean.

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When to Make Chicken Drumsticks

• Summer cook-outs (indoor or outdoor): Bring oven-“grilled” flavor even when weather or space limits you.
• Game-day spreads: Keep the drumsticks warm in the oven and let guests reach in for finger-friendly protein.
• Meal-prep weeknight dinner: Marinate in the morning, bake after work—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Clean-eating or low-carb menus: Serves as a centerpiece that supports dietary goals without “diet food” vibes.
• Family dinners with picky eaters: BBQ glaze and chicken drumsticks appeal broadly while staying wholesome and intentional.

Recipe by Marlie Crisafulli