Brown-Sugar BBQ Chicken Drumettes

For a simple meal that will please even finicky eaters, make this chicken drumettes recipe. It features an easy six-ingredient barbecue sauce that proves homemade condiments will always steal the show. If you prefer less-sweet sauces, use less brown sugar or add spicier ingredients like sriracha or chili powder for an extra kick.

To serve this kid-friendly chicken recipe as a meal, pair the drumettes with creamy mac and cheese or potato salad. Drumettes also play well with popular party appetizers (think onion rings and crudites), earning them a spot at your next potluck. Enjoy them alone or dip them in homemade ranch dressing for the perfect balance of flavors.

What Is a Chicken Drumette?

A chicken drumette is the meaty upper section of a chicken wing. It attaches to the body of the chicken. It looks like a mini drumstick (thus the name "drumette") and are just the right size for kids to nibble on.

Equipment Needed for This Drumettes Recipe

Mixing bowls: You'll need two mixing bowls for this recipe: A medium one in which to whisk the sauce ingredients together, and a large bowl for tossing the baked wings with a bit of extra sauce at the very end. Alternatively, you can use a pastry brush to apply the reserved sauce after cooking, which cuts down on dirty dishes.

Whisk: We prefer to use a whisk, rather than a spoon or spatula, to mix together the sauce. It's the best tool for breaking up any clumps of brown sugar, ensuring that all components are evenly combined.

Baking sheets: Reach for two rimmed baking sheets for this recipe—and don't forget to line them with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you're short on baking sheets, you can swap in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish instead, just note that because of the taller sides, the drumettes won't brown as well.