Say hello to guilt-free indulgence with these Low Sodium BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, a healthier spin on a classic favorite that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Coated in a smoky, tangy homemade barbecue sauce made with low-sodium ketchup, honey, and a hint of apple cider vinegar, these drumsticks are baked to perfection with crisp, golden skin. A spice blend of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder infuses the chicken with rich, savory notes, while the optional touch of liquid smoke adds an irresistible chargrilled essence. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this easy, low-sodium recipe offers all the BBQ goodness without the excess salt—pair it with roasted veggies or a fresh summer salad for a satisfying, health-conscious meal.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top of the foil.
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Brush the mixture all over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated.
Arrange the coated drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring that they are not touching each other for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
While the chicken is baking, prepare the low-sodium BBQ sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine low sodium ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke (if using). Stir occasionally and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
After the chicken has baked for 25 minutes, remove it from the oven and brush generously with the prepared BBQ sauce.
Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The skin should be crispy, and the BBQ sauce should be slightly caramelized.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your low-sodium BBQ chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides!
Serving size | (1226.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2125.2 |
Total Fat 102.2g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 25.2g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g | |
Cholesterol 744mg | 0% |
Sodium 831.9mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 131.2g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 2.2g | 0% |
Total Sugars 108.9g | |
Protein 181.5g | 0% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 169.5mg | 0% |
Iron 10.4mg | 0% |
Potassium 2831.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories