Sugar-Free Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

Enjoy tender, flavorful chicken made guilt-free with these Sugar-Free Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks, a wholesome twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for anyone seeking a low-sugar yet satisfying barbecue option, this recipe swaps traditional sweeteners for stevia or monk fruit, pairing them with tangy balsamic vinegar and smoky liquid smoke to create a perfectly balanced homemade marinade. Oven-baked to crispy perfection, these drumsticks are juicy on the inside with a caramelized, smoky glaze that’s full of bold flavors. Ready in just an hour and easy to prepare, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners or backyard gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish and serve alongside your favorite low-carb sides for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Liquid smoke
• 2 tablespoons Stevia or monk fruit sweetener
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Water
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke, stevia or monk fruit sweetener, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and water. Whisk until well mixed and smooth.

Step 3

Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. You can marinate them for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, or overnight for more flavor.

Step 4

Place the marinated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart for even cooking.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 6

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

Step 7

Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1014.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1730.1

Total Fat 102.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 25.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 744mg	0%
Sodium 2980.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 21.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.0g	0%
Total Sugars 11.3g
Protein 181.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 166.5mg	0%
Iron 11.1mg	0%
Potassium 2554.0mg	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: 53.1%

Protein: 41.9%

Carbs: 5.0%