Name: Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Tender drumsticks coated in a sugar-free BBQ glaze—perfect for keto-friendly grilling or baking!

Servings: 4 (about 8 drumsticks)

Who says you can’t enjoy BBQ on a keto diet? These Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are proof that you can have your smoky, saucy chicken and eat it too—without breaking your carb count. Whether you’re firing up the grill or popping them in the oven, these drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sugar-free BBQ sauce that’ll have everyone licking their fingers. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or backyard barbecues!

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup sugar-free BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Supplies Needed

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet or grill
Silicone basting brush

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium-high.
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a mixing bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Cook the Drumsticks:

Oven Method:
4. Arrange the drumsticks on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 25 minutes.
5. Brush the drumsticks with the sugar-free BBQ sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar, then flip and brush the other side. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Grill Method:
4. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Brush the drumsticks with the BBQ sauce mixture, then grill for an additional 5–10 minutes, turning and basting frequently, until fully cooked.

Serve:

Remove from the oven or grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked drumsticks in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
Make your own sugar-free BBQ sauce for ultimate control over ingredients.

Variations

Sweet and Spicy: Mix in a few drops of liquid stevia and cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.
Herb-Infused: Add dried thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mix.
Boneless Option: Use chicken thighs or drumettes for a quicker cooking time.

FAQ

Can I use regular BBQ sauce instead of sugar-free?

You can, but it will increase the carb count. Look for a keto-friendly, low-sugar sauce for best results.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with cauliflower rice, roasted broccoli, or a fresh green salad for a keto-friendly meal.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, brushing with BBQ sauce halfway through.

These Easy Keto BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are proof that keto cooking can be exciting and full of flavor. They’re juicy, smoky, and saucy—the kind of meal that satisfies without the carbs. Whether you bake them in the oven or fire up the grill, these drumsticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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