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.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for basting later, and set it aside.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate the drumsticks for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) to marinate.

Step 5

Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F) or preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and place them on the grill or prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Cook the drumsticks for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Remove the drumsticks from the grill or oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve the Orange Barbecue Drumsticks warm, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1282.5 grams (1282.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2182

Total Fat 90.00g	115%
Saturated Fat 23.20g	116%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.60g
Cholesterol 744mg	248%
Sodium 6304mg	274%
Total Carbohydrate 163.60g	59%
Dietary Fiber 4.50g	16%
Total Sugars 135.30g
Protein 183.30g	367%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 222mg	17%
Iron 11mg	59%
Potassium 2831mg	60%

*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: 36.9%

Protein: 33.4%

Carbs: 29.8%