BBQ Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavours. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser at any gathering. These sticky, finger-licking drumsticks are incredibly easy to make. The combination of BBQ and sweet chilli sauce creates a deliciously caramelised glaze that will have everyone coming back for more. 

Whether you’re grilling them for a summer barbecue or baking them in the oven for a cosy dinner, these drumsticks are a great choice when you want something that’s simple, satisfying, and full of flavour.

Table of Contents

• Ingredient Breakdown
• Tips and Tricks
• Creating the Perfect Glaze 
• Variations and Customisations 
• Serving Suggestions 
• More Wing Recipes

Ingredient Breakdown

• Chicken Drumsticks: The star of the dish. These juicy, tender pieces of chicken provide the perfect base for the sweet and spicy glaze.
• Garlic Granules: Add a rich, savoury depth to the seasoning, giving the chicken a robust flavour.
• Onion Granules: A slightly sweet and pungent addition that complements the garlic granules and enhances the overall seasoning.
• Crushed Chilli Flakes: Provide just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
• Smoked Paprika: This adds a subtle smoky flavour that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze.
• Barbecue Sauce: A tangy and smoky sauce that adds depth and richness to the glaze. A perfect base for the sweet chilli sauce.
• Sweet Chilli Sauce: The star ingredient in the glaze. Offers a balance of heat and sweetness that caramelises beautifully when grilled.
  

Tips and Tricks

The BBQ Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks recipe is simple, but it relies on a few key steps to achieve that perfect balance of crispy skin and sticky glaze. One of the most important elements is ensuring the drumsticks are well-seasoned before roasting. The combination of garlic granules, onion granules, smoked paprika, and chilli flakes gives the chicken a lovely flavour base that will really shine once coated with the glaze.

First, make sure to pat the drumsticks dry with kitchen towel. This simple step is often overlooked but is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Moisture on the skin can prevent it from becoming crisp when roasted or grilled. Drying the chicken beforehand helps the seasonings adhere better and enhances the final result.

The two-step cooking process — roasting followed by grilling — is another key to the BBQ Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks. Roasting the drumsticks at a moderate temperature helps render out some of the fat and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Once roasted, the grilling step is where the magic happens. Grilling the drumsticks on a high heat allows the glaze to caramelise. This gives them a sticky, golden exterior that enhances the flavours of the barbecue and sweet chilli sauce.

Creating the Perfect Glaze

The glaze is what elevates these drumsticks to the next level. The combination of barbecue sauce and sweet chilli sauce creates a deliciously balanced flavour profile. The barbecue sauce brings a smoky, tangy element. Meanwhile the sweet chilli sauce provides a touch of sweetness with just the right amount of heat. Together, they form a glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken, caramelising as it grills.

For the perfect glaze, it’s important to apply it in layers. After the drumsticks are roasted, start by brushing one side with the glaze and placing the chicken under the grill. After a couple of minutes, flip the drumsticks, apply more glaze, and repeat the process. This method builds the glaze layer by layer, creating a thick, sticky coating that caramelises and intensifies the flavour. The result is a perfectly glazed chicken drumstick with a balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavours that will make every bite irresistible.

Variations and Customisations

While BBQ Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks are delicious as written, there are plenty of ways you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer your wings to be spicier, you can increase the amount of crushed chilli flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture. Alternatively, if you enjoy a milder flavour, you can reduce the amount of chilli flakes or omit them entirely.

For those following a gluten-free diet, simply ensure that your barbecue sauce is gluten-free, as some commercial brands may contain gluten. You can also opt to make your own BBQ sauce to control the ingredients and flavour profile, ensuring it suits your taste. If you want to cut down on the sugar content, use a reduced-sugar barbecue sauce and sweet chilli sauce. Or you can try adding a natural sweetener like stevia or agave syrup to the glaze instead.

For an even healthier version, consider using skinless chicken drumsticks. Removing the skin will reduce the fat content, but it’s important to note that you won’t get that same crispy texture. If you want to keep the skin but reduce the fat, you could try a different cooking method such as air frying instead of grilling.

Serving Suggestions

BBQ Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks are perfect when served with a variety of sides that complement their smoky, sweet, and spicy flavours. For a light, refreshing contrast, try pairing them with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw. The creaminess of the coleslaw balances out the heat from the drumsticks and provides a refreshing contrast to the sticky glaze.

If you want something heartier, serve the drumsticks with sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the spicy, tangy chicken. You can also serve them with rice or a grain salad for a complete meal that satisfies the whole family.

More Wing Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the sweet, spicy and utterly addictive flavours in these BBQ Sweet Chilli Chicken Drumsticks, here are some more wing recipes for you to give a go:

• Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings: Sweet, sticky and spicy. These wings are finger-licking good! They’re incredibly easy to make and only require a few ingredients. 
• Crispy Baked Sriracha Honey Wings: Crispy baked wings finished with a delicious sriracha honey glaze. They’re the perfect combination of sweet and spicy!
• Black Garlic & Harissa Wings: These wings are finger-licking good! You can grill them in the oven or on the barbecue. 
• Teriyaki Wings: Crispy chicken wings baked to golden brown perfection and coated in a delicious homemade teriyaki sauce.

See how I make all these recipes and more over on my Instagram!