Brown-Sugar BBQ Chicken Drumettes

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Chicken drumettes are smothered in a mouthwatering barbecue sauce made from scratch.

drummettes with sauce
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
8

For a simple meal that will please even finicky eaters, make this recipe for chicken drumettes. It features an easy six-ingredient barbecue sauce that proves homemade condiments will always steal the show. If you prefer less-sweet sauces, you're welcome to use less brown sugar or add spicier ingredients like sriracha or chili powder for an extra kick.

To serve this kid-friendly chicken recipe as a meal, pair it with creamy mac and cheese or potato salad. Drumettes also play well with popular party appetizers (think onion rings and crudites), earning them a spot at your next potluck. Enjoy the drumettes alone or dip them in homemade ranch dressing for the perfect balance of flavors.

What Is a Chicken Drumette?

A chicken drumette is the meaty upper section of a chicken wing. It attaches to the body of the chicken. It looks like a mini drumstick (thus the name "drumette") and are just the right size for kids to nibble on.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ketchup

  • 1 cup packed light-brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • Coarse salt and ground pepper

  • 6 pounds chicken drumettes, patted dry

Directions

  1. Make sauce:

    In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Set aside 1 cup sauce for tossing raw chicken; use rest for baked chicken.

  2. Preheat oven and prepare sheets:

    Preheat oven to 450°F, with racks in upper and lower thirds; line 2 rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil.

  3. Prepare drumettes:

    Divide drumettes between baking sheets, and toss with reserved 1 cup sauce.

  4. Bake:

    Bake chicken until opaque throughout, 30 to 35 minutes, rotating sheets and tossing chicken halfway through.

  5. Toss with sauce and serve:

    Toss baked drumettes with 1/2 cup sauce, and serve with remaining sauce on the side.

Double Up on the Sauce

Make a big batch of this easy stir-together barbecue sauce (double the recipe) and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Having it on hand is an easy route to a delicious chicken dinner.

Try These Other Tasty Chicken Recipes:

Originally appeared: Everyday Food, June 2008
Updated by
Kirsten Nunez
Kirsten Nunez, Freelance Writer

Kirsten Nunez is a writer who focuses on food, health, nutrition, and DIY. She has a master's degree in nutrition, and has been writing professionally for nearly 10 years for digital and print publications, such as Martha Stewart, Shape, Real Simple, Healthline, and SELF. She also creates original recipes, which have appeared on product packaging in stores.

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