Low Sodium BBQ Drumsticks

Savor the smoky, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors of these Low Sodium BBQ Drumsticks—a healthier twist on a classic favorite, perfect for anyone watching their sodium intake. This recipe pairs tender, oven-baked chicken drumsticks with a homemade, salt-free BBQ sauce made from simple ingredients like tomato sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke. A touch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds layers of bold seasoning without relying on added salt. The drumsticks are baked to perfection on a wire rack for even cooking and brushed with a shiny, thick glaze in the final minutes for that irresistible BBQ finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and under an hour to the table, these flavorful drumsticks are an easy and wholesome crowd-pleaser. Pair them with coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying low-sodium meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup Salt-free tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons Water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2

Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine salt-free tomato sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, and paprika. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4

Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the BBQ sauce.

Step 5

Place a wire rack over a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Lightly brush the rack with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack, ensuring they are well spaced out for even cooking.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

While the drumsticks are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the cornstarch with water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture thickens, then add it to the remaining BBQ sauce.

Step 9

In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the drumsticks with the prepared glaze to enhance the flavor and give them a beautiful shine.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 11

Enjoy your delicious low-sodium BBQ drumsticks with favorite sides like coleslaw or a fresh green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1207.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1815.3

Total Fat 88.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 744mg	0%
Sodium 601.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 79.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.4g	0%
Total Sugars 60.9g
Protein 182.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 156.9mg	0%
Iron 9.4mg	0%
Potassium 2728.3mg	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: 43.2%

Protein: 39.6%

Carbs: 17.2%