Savor the smoky, tangy, and bold flavors of these Whole30 BBQ Drumsticks—a healthier twist on a barbecue classic that's perfect for clean eating enthusiasts. This recipe combines tender, oven-baked chicken drumsticks with a homemade BBQ sauce crafted from Whole30-approved ingredients like tomato paste, unsweetened apple cider, balsamic vinegar, and coconut aminos. Infused with spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder, each drumstick is coated in caramelized goodness for a finger-licking experience. Ready in under an hour, these drumsticks are a crowd-pleasing main dish that's gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. Pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a meal that's both nourishing and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, these Whole30 BBQ Drumsticks prove that eating clean doesn't mean sacrificing flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, combine the tomato paste, apple cider, balsamic vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, sea salt, and coconut aminos. Mix well to form the BBQ sauce.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry using paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin.
In a large bowl, add the drumsticks and olive oil. Toss to coat the drumsticks evenly with oil.
Pour the BBQ sauce over the drumsticks and mix until they are thoroughly coated.
Place the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is starting to crisp up. You can turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking for more even browning if desired.
Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
These drumsticks are delicious on their own or pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or your favorite Whole30 compliant side dish.
Calories |
1821 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 89.0 g | 114% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.3 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 3596 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.4 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.0 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.0 g | ||
| Protein | 186.5 g | 373% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 210 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 3889 mg | 83% | |
*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.