Sugar-Free Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
Indulge in guilt-free flavor with these Sugar-Free Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks—a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Perfectly marinated and oven-baked to crispy, juicy perfection, these drumsticks feature a tangy and smoky homemade barbecue sauce made with tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Enhanced by bold spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and liquid smoke, this recipe is free of refined sugar, making it ideal for anyone looking to stay on track without compromising on taste. Ready in just an hour with minimal prep, these crowd-pleasing drumsticks are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or backyard gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish and serve alongside your favorite sides for a wholesome, mouthwatering feast!
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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
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.
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.
Place the marinated drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart for even cooking.
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).
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1730 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.3 g | 131% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.3 g | 127% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 2980 mg | 130% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21.5 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.3 g | ||
| Protein | 181.4 g | 363% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 166 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 11.1 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 2554 mg | 54% | |
*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.
