Devilishly Delicious Drumsticks

Published: May 4, 2026
By: Susan Rosser

A little sweet and a little spicy, everyone will come back for seconds.

Recipe and Photo by Susan Rosser

When I was a kid, the drumstick was always my favorite. I used to joke that I’d wrestle anyone in my family for that coveted piece of chicken – though, truthfully, there was never any real fighting. These days, you can buy an entire package of drumsticks; they’re affordable, easy to find and perfect for a fun, finger-food dinner.

Ingredients:

½ cup soy sauce

½ cup ketchup

1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice), fresh or canned

⅓ cup brown sugar

4 cloves garlic, minced

1  jalapeño, finely minced (seeds in for more heat, out for less)

1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)

3 scallions, sliced (optional)

Chicken drumsticks (this much sauce makes enough for about 12-16 drumsticks)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk everything (except the chicken) together until the brown sugar is mostly dissolved.
  2. Reserve a little (about 1/2 cup) before it comes into contact with raw chicken.
  3. Taste and adjust. Add more sugar or jalapeño if desired, or add a little more vinegar for brightness.

For the Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 425F; or 400F if using convection.
  2. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Arrange on a foil-lined baking sheet or baking dish.
  4. Bake (first stage):
    • Brush or spoon about half the sauce over the chicken.
    • Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning once halfway and re-basting.
  5. Broil for color (finish):
  • Switch to broil and brush with a little more sauce.
  • Broil 3–5 minutes, turning once, until sticky, caramelized, and slightly charred in spots. Watch closely so the sugars don’t burn.
  • Top with sliced scallions if using. Serve with the reserved sauce for dipping.

Optional upgrade (worth it if you have 5 extra minutes):

Simmer the sauce in a small saucepan for 5-7 minutes before using – it thickens slightly and deepens the flavor. Serve the drumsticks with french fries and sliced cucumbers for a complete finger-food-friendly dinner.

CONTESTS & PROMOTIONS