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BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a sweet-savory homemade BBQ sauce then quickly grilled for charred skin.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard
  • 12 large chicken drumsticks patted dry

Instructions

  • Make the BBQ sauce: Combine tomato sauce, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, and mustard in a large pot over medium-high heat; stir to combine.
  • Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer briefly to meld flavors, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the chicken drumsticks to the pot with the sauce, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 20–30 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through.
  • Remove the cooked drumsticks to a plate and reserve some sauce in a cup for basting.
  • Prepare the grill: clean and oil the grates, then heat the grill to high.
  • Grill the drumsticks over high heat just to char the skin, about a few minutes per side, basting with reserved sauce and turning as each side becomes lightly charred.
  • Remove from grill and serve with your favorite BBQ side dishes.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Plate
  • Grill
  • Tongs
  • basting brush or spoon

Notes

  • Pat the drumsticks dry before cooking for better browning.
  • Reserve some sauce before grilling to avoid contaminating the glaze.
  • Simmer just until chicken is cooked through to prevent overcooking on the grill.