Orange Barbeque Drumsticks
Elevate your next cookout or family dinner with these irresistible Orange Barbecue Drumsticks! This recipe combines the smoky sweetness of classic barbecue sauce with the bright, tangy flair of freshly squeezed orange juice and zest. A hint of honey adds natural sweetness, while soy sauce, smoked paprika, and minced garlic deliver depth and bold flavor. These drumsticks are marinated for maximum juiciness, then grilled or baked to caramelized perfection, with a sticky orange glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, these crowd-pleasing chicken drumsticks are quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes of prep time, and deliver a mouthwatering balance of savory and citrusy notes. Serve warm with a sprinkle of orange zest for a fragrant, gourmet touch.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for basting later, and set it aside.
Place the chicken drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated.
Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate the drumsticks for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) to marinate.
Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F) or preheat your oven to 400°F.
If grilling, lightly oil the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. If baking, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease it with olive oil.
Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and place them on the grill or prepared baking sheet.
Cook the drumsticks for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
After 20 minutes, use the reserved marinade to baste the drumsticks generously. Continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, basting and turning occasionally, until the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches 165°F and the glaze is caramelized.
Remove the drumsticks from the grill or oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve the Orange Barbecue Drumsticks warm, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
544 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.5 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.8 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 168 mg | 56% | |
| Sodium | 1471 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.8 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.0 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 33.7 g | ||
| Protein | 45.6 g | 91% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 55 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 699 mg | 15% | |
*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.
