Cream Soda BBQ Drumsticks Crunch (Print Version)

Sweet-tangy BBQ drumsticks baked with a golden cornflake crunch. Family-friendly dish for easy weeknights.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 8 chicken drumsticks
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Cream Soda BBQ Sauce

06 - ¾ cup cream soda
07 - ½ cup ketchup
08 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
09 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
13 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Cornflake Crunch

14 - 1½ cups cornflakes, lightly crushed
15 - 2 tablespoons melted butter
16 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
17 - ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, and place a wire rack on top.
02 - Pat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry. Rub them with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared wire rack.
03 - Place the drumsticks in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
04 - While the chicken bakes, combine all the Cream Soda BBQ Sauce ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened.
05 - In a separate bowl, combine the lightly crushed cornflakes with the melted butter, smoked paprika, and kosher salt. Mix well and set aside.
06 - After the initial 25 minutes of baking, generously brush the drumsticks with the prepared Cream Soda BBQ Sauce. Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.
07 - Brush the drumsticks with sauce once more. Evenly sprinkle the cornflake crunch over the sauced drumsticks. Bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the cornflakes are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 175°F/80°C).
08 - Remove the drumsticks from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just over an hour with minimal hands on time
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry
  • Creates the perfect balance of sweet tangy and crunchy textures
  • Kid friendly but sophisticated enough for adults too
02 -
  • High in protein at 32g per serving making this a satisfying main dish
  • Can be prepared up to the first bake stage ahead of time
  • The unique cream soda flavor creates a caramelization that regular sugar cannot achieve
  • The sauce works beautifully on other proteins like pork or even tofu
03 -
  • The key to maximum crispiness is making sure your chicken skin is completely dry before seasoning. Pat it thoroughly with paper towels.
  • For an extra layer of flavor brine the drumsticks in a solution of 1/4 cup salt and 1/4 cup sugar dissolved in 4 cups water for 2 hours before cooking.
  • If making for a crowd you can double or triple the recipe but youll need to rotate the pans during cooking and possibly increase cooking time slightly.
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