This smoky barbecue chicken meal brings together deeply flavored, fire-kissed drumsticks with a spread of timeless comfort sides: creamy mac & cheese, hearty baked beans, tangy pickles, and soft white bread. With dipping sauces on the side, this is the ultimate Southern-inspired plate of pure satisfaction.
Ingredients
5 chicken drumsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for dipping)
For the Mac & Cheese:
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Baked Beans:
1 can (15 oz) baked beans
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
Extras:
Bread slices
Pickle slices
BBQ sauce & honey mustard or cheese dip
Continue the instructions on the next page.
Instructions
step 1 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken dry and rub with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
step 2 Arrange chicken on a baking tray lined with foil. Roast for 35–40 minutes, basting with barbecue sauce in the last 10 minutes until caramelized.
step 3 For mac & cheese, cook pasta according to package directions. In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper until melted. Combine with drained pasta.
step 4 In a small saucepan, heat baked beans with brown sugar and mustard until warmed through.
step 5 Assemble the plate: Add chicken drumsticks, a scoop of mac & cheese, a serving of baked beans, pickle slices, and a slice of white bread.
step 6 Serve with BBQ and honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven to maintain texture. Mac & cheese and beans can be microwaved or gently reheated on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk to mac & cheese to restore creaminess.