Whole30 Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly coated in a tangy homemade sauce, these Whole30 Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks are the ultimate healthy comfort food. This recipe combines tender, oven-roasted drumsticks with a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce made from wholesome ingredients like tomato paste, date syrup, and coconut aminos—completely free of refined sugars and artificial additives. With just 15 minutes of prep time, these drumsticks come together effortlessly, making them ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. The robust spice rub adds depth, while the sticky barbecue glaze is sure to delight your taste buds. Serve these paleo-friendly, gluten-free drumsticks with a fresh side salad or roasted veggies for a satisfying and Whole30-compliant meal your family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 pieces chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 tablespoons date syrup
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (for sauce)
• 0.25 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture all over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 4

Place the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching each other.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 6

While the chicken is baking, prepare the barbecue sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, mustard powder, date syrup, smoked paprika, and water. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.

Step 8

After 25 minutes, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Using a brush, generously coat each drumstick with the barbecue sauce.

Step 9

Return the coated drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 10

Remove from oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the drumsticks warm, with any extra sauce on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1591.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2663.7

Total Fat 140.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 1116mg	0%
Sodium 4123.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 79.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.9g	0%
Total Sugars 58.4g
Protein 275.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 258.8mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 4819.2mg	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: 47.1%

Protein: 41.1%

Carbs: 11.8%