Name: Brown-Sugar BBQ Chicken Drumettes
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups ketchup; 1 cup packed light-brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons cider vinegar; Coarse salt and ground pepper; 6 pounds chicken drumettes, patted dry

Brown-Sugar BBQ Chicken Drumettes

3.4

(526)

17 Reviews

Chicken drumettes are smothered in a mouthwatering barbecue sauce made from scratch.

Martha Stewart

Updated on August 23, 2023

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Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

For a simple meal that will please even finicky eaters, make this recipe for chicken drumettes. It features an easy six-ingredient barbecue sauce that proves homemade condiments will always steal the show. If you prefer less-sweet sauces, you're welcome to use less brown sugar or add spicier ingredients like sriracha or chili powder for an extra kick.

To serve this kid-friendly chicken recipe as a meal, pair it with creamy mac and cheese or potato salad. Drumettes also play well with popular party appetizers (think onion rings and crudites), earning them a spot at your next potluck. Enjoy the drumettes alone or dip them in homemade ranch dressing for the perfect balance of flavors.

What Is a Chicken Drumette?

A chicken drumette is the meaty upper section of a chicken wing. It attaches to the body of the chicken. It looks like a mini drumstick (thus the name "drumette") and are just the right size for kids to nibble on.

Ingredients

2 cups ketchup
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
Coarse salt and ground pepper
6 pounds chicken drumettes, patted dry

Directions

Make sauce:

In a medium bowl, whisk together ketchup, sugar, Worcestershire, and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Set aside 1 cup sauce for tossing raw chicken; use rest for baked chicken.
Preheat oven and prepare sheets:

Preheat oven to 450°F, with racks in upper and lower thirds; line 2 rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil.
Prepare drumettes:

Divide drumettes between baking sheets, and toss with reserved 1 cup sauce.
Bake:

Bake chicken until opaque throughout, 30 to 35 minutes, rotating sheets and tossing chicken halfway through.
Toss with sauce and serve:

Toss baked drumettes with 1/2 cup sauce, and serve with remaining sauce on the side.

Double Up on the Sauce

Make a big batch of this easy stir-together barbecue sauce (double the recipe) and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Having it on hand is an easy route to a delicious chicken dinner.