Juicy Boiled Chicken Drumsticks with Tangy BBQ Glaze
Nutritional value per serving
Calories320kcal
Carbs12gram
Fat15gram
Protein25gram
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks (fresh, skin-on for best flavor) - choose firm flesh with no odor8 piece
- Water (for boiling) - use clean, filtered water if possible1.5 liters
- Salt1 tbsp
- Black peppercorns1 tsp
- Garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed3 piece
- Onion, quartered1 piece
- BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)100 ml
This recipe guides you through boiling chicken drumsticks to juicy perfection, then finishing them with a delicious BBQ glaze. Boiling ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, making it a safe and foolproof cooking method, especially suited for beginner home cooks. Following boiling with a BBQ sauce glaze adds a burst of smoky, tangy flavor without needing a grill. Ingredients cost approximately $8 (€7.5, £6.5, ₹640) in total. The entire dish yields about 4 servings, with each serving containing around 320 kcal, making it suitable for a balanced diet. Difficulty is easy, and total cooking time is about 40 minutes.
Preparation instructions
Prepare the boiling liquid
1In a large pot, pour 1.5 liters of water. Add 1 tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns, 3 crushed garlic cloves, and 1 quartered onion. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. This flavorful broth will infuse the chicken with a subtle aroma.
Add the chicken drumsticks to boil
2Carefully place 8 fresh chicken drumsticks into the boiling pot. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid splashes. Make sure the chicken pieces are fully submerged in the water. Return the broth to a gentle boil.
Simmer the chicken until cooked
3Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer (small bubbles). Cook the drumsticks uncovered for 25-30 minutes, occasionally skimming off any foam or impurities from the surface with a spoon. Boiling them gently ensures tender, juicy meat and prevents toughness.
Check internal temperature for safety
4Using a clean meat thermometer, check the thickest part of a drumstick, not touching bone. The internal temperature should reach at least 74°C (165°F) for safe eating according to food safety guidelines. If not reached, continue simmering and check every 5 minutes.
Remove and pat dry the drumsticks
5Once fully cooked, carefully remove the drumsticks from the pot with tongs and place them on a clean plate. Use paper towels to gently pat them dry to help the BBQ sauce stick better.
Glaze with BBQ sauce and serve
6Brush each drumstick evenly with about 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce. You can serve as is, or for a caramelized finish, place drumsticks under a broiler for 3-5 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. This step adds delicious smoky flavor without requiring a grill.
Cooking Tips
1If you do not have a meat thermometer, check the chicken is cooked by piercing the thickest part with a fork. The juices should run clear without pink color.
2Avoid cross-contamination by washing hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw chicken.
3For a spicy twist, mix some hot sauce into your BBQ glaze before applying.
4Leftover drumsticks can be refrigerated up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Equipment needed
- Large pot with lid
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Brush for applying BBQ sauce
- Paper towels
- Oven broiler (optional)
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Chicken drumsticks (8 pieces) - ~$5: Choose fresh, firm chicken without odors.
- [ ] Garlic (3 cloves) - ~$0.50: Pick firm bulbs with tight skin.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - ~$0.30: Look for smooth, dry skin.
- [ ] Black peppercorns (small jar) - ~$1: Whole peppercorns for best flavor.
- [ ] Salt (table or kosher) - ~$0.50: Pantry staple.
- [ ] BBQ sauce (100 ml) - ~$1.50: Pick your favorite brand or homemade version.
Total approximate cost: $8
FAQ
Can I boil frozen chicken drumsticks?
It's safer and better for texture to thaw chicken completely before boiling. Boiling frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear and the meat should not be pink near the bone.
Can I skip the BBQ sauce glaze?
Yes, you can serve boiled chicken drumsticks plain or with your favorite sauce, but the BBQ glaze adds delicious flavor and color.
How should I store leftover boiled chicken drumsticks?
Cool them to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.