Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Fresh Garden Salad

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.

Step 3: Season chicken drumsticks with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on all sides.

Step 4: Arrange drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 5: Brush the sauce mixture generously over each drumstick, coating all sides.

Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, basting with extra sauce halfway through cooking, until the drumsticks are golden and caramelized.

Step 7: While the chicken bakes, prepare your fresh garden salad by combining greens, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, and red onion in a large bowl.

Step 8: Toss the salad with your favorite dressing just before serving.

Step 9: Remove drumsticks from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before plating with your fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad separate in its own container to prevent it from wilting.

Reheat drumsticks in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until warmed through, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge on warm days.

For meal prep, prepare the salad components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain freshness and crispness.