BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Fries & Buns: A Deliciously Simple Meal
When it comes to comfort food that brings people together, few dishes can compete with BBQ chicken drumsticks served alongside crispy fries and soft buns. This simple yet irresistible combination is perfect for a family dinner, a weekend cookout, or even a cozy meal with friends. With the smoky richness of BBQ sauce, the crispy texture of golden fries, and the fluffy buns to soak up all the flavors, this meal checks all the boxes for a satisfying, hearty feast.
In this article, we’ll explore how to make BBQ chicken drumsticks with fries and buns from scratch, breaking it down into simple steps that anyone, regardless of cooking experience, can follow. From marinating the chicken to getting the fries just right, and even making the buns if you're feeling adventurous, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at the essential ingredients you'll need:
For the BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:
- 10 chicken drumsticks (skin-on for extra crispiness)
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Fries:
- 4 large potatoes (russet potatoes work best)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Buns:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast (or 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken Drumsticks
The first step in creating perfectly juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken drumsticks is to marinate the chicken. This step helps infuse the chicken with delicious flavors that will shine through once cooked.
Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
Coat the Chicken: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. This ensures the seasoning sticks better. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat each drumstick thoroughly.
Marinate: Place the coated chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-3 hours. If you're preparing the meal ahead of time, you can let the chicken marinate overnight for even more flavor.
Step 2: Preparing the Fries
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the fries. Homemade fries are a great addition to this meal, and they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high temperature is key to achieving that golden crispiness on your fries.
Cut the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes (optional—keeping the skin adds a rustic touch). Slice them into even strips, about 1/4 inch thick. The more uniform the pieces, the more evenly they'll cook.
Season the Fries: In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil, salt, and any additional seasonings you like (paprika and garlic powder are excellent choices).
Bake the Fries: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy. If you like them extra crispy, leave them in the oven for a few more minutes.
Step 3: Cooking the BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Once the chicken has had time to marinate, it's time to cook it. There are multiple ways to do this, but grilling or baking are the most popular and easiest options.
Option 1: Grilling
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Drumsticks: Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add BBQ Sauce: During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce and continue grilling. This will create a sticky, caramelized coating on the chicken.
Option 2: Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake the Drumsticks: Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the drumstick to ensure the meat is no longer pink.
Step 4: Making the Buns (Optional)
If you want to go all-in and make your own buns from scratch, here’s a quick guide to creating soft, fluffy homemade buns.
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and melted butter. Stir to combine, then knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Buns: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Buns: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, then brush with an egg wash (optional) for a golden finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Meal
Once everything is cooked, it's time to assemble your delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks with fries and buns!
- Serve the Drumsticks: Place the BBQ chicken drumsticks on a large platter or individual plates.
- Add the Fries: Serve a generous portion of crispy fries on the side.
- Prepare the Buns: If you made the buns, slice them open and serve them on the side. If you're using store-bought buns, simply toast them lightly for extra flavor.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This BBQ chicken drumsticks with fries and buns recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The smoky, tender chicken paired with crispy fries and soft buns creates a balanced and flavorful meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you're cooking for a family, hosting a barbecue, or just craving a hearty meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Bon appétit!