These baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are incredibly easy and packed with flavor. Made with a homemade cola BBQ sauce, they’re versatile enough to pair with almost any side—or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
I have a simple, delicious dinner idea for you today!
These drumsticks are sticky and sweet, coated in a tangy cola BBQ sauce and roasted until fall-off-the-bone tender. They work for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or backyard gatherings—plus they keep beautifully for leftovers.
Everyone loves them.
There are a few reasons I keep coming back to this recipe.
First, the homemade cola BBQ sauce. It’s tangy, sticky and easy to customize—plus you can make it ahead for meal prep. Use it on sandwiches, wings, or whatever else you like.
If you prefer store-bought sauce, use your favorite. A sweet, sticky variety works best.
The spice rub is quick and simple: salt, pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder. That rub plus the BBQ sauce creates layers of flavor that make these drumsticks extra satisfying.
I roast the drumsticks first to crisp the skin, then brush on the sauce to build a glossy, caramelized coating. It’s straightforward and shows how well different sauces can work here.
These drumsticks are great with many sides—sometimes we serve two or three on the same night. A few favorite pairings:
Parmesan roasted broccoli
Charred cauliflower orzo
Sheet pan mac and cheese
Baked cheesy rice
Smoked gruyere cauliflower gratin
Spiced Brussels sprouts salad
Caesar pasta salad
Those are just a few ideas; the options are practically endless.
Leftovers are fantastic—cold from the fridge or reheated. You can shred the meat for sandwiches or serve the drumsticks whole.
Perfect for a cozy winter dinner—or anytime you want comfort food with minimal fuss.
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
4 to 6
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Ingredients
Cola BBQ Sauce
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2/3 cup cola (Dr Pepper, Coke, root beer, etc.)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chicken Drumsticks
- Olive oil, for drizzling or spraying
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
Cola BBQ Sauce
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan and whisk to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool to thicken further.
- Store the sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to about one week. It’s great to make ahead.
Chicken Drumsticks
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Drizzle a baking sheet with olive oil. In a large bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika and garlic powder. Toss the drumsticks with the spice mix until evenly coated.
- Arrange drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil to help the skin crisp.
- Roast for 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and brush the drumsticks all over with the cola BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for 10 minutes, brush again with more sauce, then bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest briefly. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and serve.
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So tender, chewy, sticky and sweet!