Healthier Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks- (Baked)

Buffalo chicken drumsticks are perfect for a game day snack or an easy dinner. The drumsticks are baked and then glazed with a spicy sauce. Removing the skin makes them healthier too!

I love buffalo chicken drumsticks. 'They are one of my go-to meals when I want something that is easy but still healthy. The sauce is spicy but the heat can be adjusted to your preference. I use drumsticks instead of the traditional wings because I can remove the skin from the chicken. Plus they have more meat on them than wings. Instead of deep-frying the drumsticks, which increases the calories, I bake them. This is healthier but they are still delicious. If you have leftovers, the drumsticks are delicious when they are eaten cold. They make a great lunch. This is one of my husband's favorite dinners and lunches!

History of buffalo chicken wings

Buffalo Chicken wings originated in 1964 in Buffalo, New York at the family-owned Anchor Bar. Teressa Bellissimo is credited with creating the recipe. She deep-fried wings and smothered them with her special sauce. Because she had celery and blue cheese on hand, Bellissimo served them with the wings. This dish has become a favorite and it is served in bars and restaurants all over the country. However, it is very easy to make at home.

What ingredients are needed for buffalo chicken drumsticks?

1. Chicken Drumsticks-I like to use chicken that is either organic or that is free of antibiotics. But if that is not your thing, you can use any chicken drumstick you prefer. I have also made this recipe using chicken thighs and they were delicious!
2. Frank's RedHot® Buffalo Wings Sauce-any grocery store carries this sauce. It is often located near other hot sauces.
3. Oil-I like to use extra light olive oil but you can also use canola, vegetable or avocado oil.

Spices

1. Garlic powder-if you do not have garlic powder, you can also use equal amounts of granulated garlic or fresh garlic. Look for it in the spice section of your grocery store.
2. Onion powder- if you do not have onion powder, you can use ½ tablespoon onion flakes OR- 1-2 tablespoons jarred minced onion OR - 1 teaspoon granulated onion OR - ¼ cup chopped, fresh onion. You need quite a bit more freshly chopped onion to replace the more concentrated flavor in onion powder. Look for onion powder in the spice section of your grocery store.
3. Cayenne Pepper-this is a powder that you can find in the spice section of the grocery store. Be careful as a small amount goes a long way. If you want less spice, eliminate the cayenne pepper and if you would like more spice, add ¼ teaspoon at a time. Cayenne pepper can be substituted with 10-12 drops Tabasco sauce OR equal amounts of red chili flakes/powder. You can also use paprika, however, it’s milder so you will need to use about twice as much.
4. Salt-I used kosher salt but you can use any salt that you would like. If you use a finer ground salt, use half the amount.
5. Ground Black Pepper-I used coarse ground black pepper. If you use a finer grind, cut the amount in half.

How to make buffalo chicken drumsticks:

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1. Gather ingredients.
2. Remove skin from drumsticks. Pat the drumsticks dry and brush with oil.
3. Season drumsticks with salt and pepper.
4. Bake drumsticks.
5. Combine sauce and spices.
6. Brush sauce on drumsticks.
7. Broil chicken for a few minutes to heat the sauce.

Enjoy! I like to serve the drumsticks with baby carrots and celery. However, Apple Cranberry Salad would also pair well with the buffalo chicken drumsticks. Delish! Give them a try and let me know how what you think!

Tips for Success

1. The most important thing is to dry the chicken with a paper towel so it can brown.
2. Separate the drumsticks on the sheet pan (affiliate link) so they can brown evenly.
3. If the chicken is frozen, be sure to thaw it before baking.

How to store leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them covered in your refrigerator for up to 3 days.

I hope you try this recipe! Give it a rating and please comment below. I love hearing from you!

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