BARBECUE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 3h15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
4 1/2 pounds small chicken drumsticks (about 18)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup ketchup
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 cloves garlic, grated
2 tablespoons molasses
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
Vegetable oil, for brushing

Steps:

Make the chicken: Combine the brown sugar, chili powder, paprika and cumin in a small bowl. Season the chicken all over with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, then rub all over with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate 1 to 2 hours.
Meanwhile, make the barbecue sauce: Whisk the ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, orange juice, garlic, molasses, hoisin sauce, mustard and chili powder in a small saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. (You should have 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups sauce.)
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling. Preheat a grill to medium and oil the grates. Grill the chicken, covered and turning occasionally, until lightly charred and a thermometer inserted into a drumstick (without touching the bone) registers 170 degrees F, 35 to 45 minutes, brushing with some of the barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Transfer to a platter and brush with more barbecue sauce. Serve with the remaining sauce.