Low Sodium Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

Craving barbecue without the sodium overload? These Low Sodium Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks deliver smoky, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors in every bite, all while keeping heart health in mind. Made with a simple yet bold homemade barbecue sauce featuring unsalted tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a smattering of spices like smoked paprika and chili powder, these drumsticks pack all the thrill of backyard grilling straight from your oven. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or meal prep. Best of all, they’re easy to whip up with just 15 minutes of prep before slow-roasting to tender perfection. Pair with low-sodium sides like steamed veggies or a crisp green salad for a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
• 6 tablespoons unsalted tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a wire rack inside a baking sheet and lightly oil the rack to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, combine tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, chili powder, dry mustard, and liquid smoke if using.

Step 3

Mix the ingredients well until a smooth barbecue sauce forms.

Step 4

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure the sauce adheres better.

Step 5

Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, and pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken. Use your hands or seal the bag and shake it to ensure the drumsticks are well coated with the sauce.

Step 6

Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. For better flavor, you can marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

Step 7

Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared wire rack.

Step 8

Brush the chicken lightly with vegetable oil to help them crisp up during baking.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, turning the drumsticks halfway through cooking, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is deeply lacquered and crispy on the outside.

Step 10

Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve warm with your favorite low-sodium sides, such as a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(989.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1735.0

Total Fat 87.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g
Cholesterol 744mg	0%
Sodium 629.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 59.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.2g	0%
Total Sugars 46.0g
Protein 183.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 151.6mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 2864.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.9%

Protein: 41.6%

Carbs: 13.5%