Roasted Chicken Drumstick Recipe

Preheat and prep

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top, or lightly oil the baking sheet.

Season drumsticks

Pat 6 chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss drumsticks with 2 tbs olive oil, 1.5 tsp kosher salt, 0.75 tsp black pepper, 0.5 tsp garlic powder and 0.5 tsp smoked paprika until evenly coated.

Arrange and roast

Arrange drumsticks on the prepared rack or sheet with space between pieces. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, turning once halfway through to promote even browning.

Finish with sauce

After 30 minutes, brush each drumstick generously with the prepared Sweet BBQ Sauce (reserve a few tablespoons for serving). Return to the oven and roast 6–10 more minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is set and slightly caramelized. Remove from oven and rest 5 minutes.

While the chicken begins roasting, make the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbs packed brown sugar, 1 tbs apple cider vinegar, 1 tbs honey, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp soy sauce, 1/4 tsp ground mustard and 1/4 tsp hot sauce if using. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until glossy and slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity as desired. Keep warm; reserve a few tablespoons for serving.

Rinse 1 cup heirloom or mixed rice under cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well.

In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken stock to a boil with 1 tbs butter or olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Add the rinsed rice, stir once, reduce heat to low, cover tightly and simmer undisturbed until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender (follow package directions for cook time; typically 35–45 minutes for mixed/heirloom blend or 20–25 minutes for white rice).

When done, remove from heat and let rest, covered, 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving and stir in a little extra butter or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Serve 1 Cuties® mandarin orange whole (peeled by diner) and 1 cup applesauce in a cup. Offer choice of 1 small DASANI® water or 1 small lowfat milk as the beverage selection.

Plate 2–3 drumsticks per serving over a scoop of heirloom rice. Spoon any reserved Sweet BBQ Sauce over the drumsticks. Garnish with 1 tbs chopped fresh parsley and an optional lemon wedge. Serve the mandarin and applesauce on the side with the chosen beverage.