Save This sticky-sweet cola BBQ drumsticks recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crave-worthy meal that balances tangy sauce with an irresistible crunchy coating. The unexpected combination of cola reduction and cornflake crunch creates a texture and flavor experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
I first made these drumsticks for a backyard gathering when I needed something easy yet impressive. The empty platter and sauce stained fingers told me everything I needed to know about how much everyone loved them. Now they're requested at nearly every family barbecue.
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks about 1 kg or 8 pieces: for their juicy dark meat that stays moist during baking
- Regular cola not diet: provides caramel notes and helps tenderize the meat
- Ketchup: creates the base for our BBQ sauce with its natural sweetness and acidity
- Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and umami that balances the sweetness
- Apple cider vinegar: brings necessary tang to cut through the richness
- Brown sugar: enhances caramelization and adds molasses flavor
- Smoked paprika: provides subtle smokiness without needing a grill
- Crushed cornflakes: deliver the signature crunchy coating that stays crisp
- Melted butter: helps the cornflakes adhere and adds richness to the coating
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven And Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to a hot 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Setting a wire rack on top ensures air circulation for even cooking and prevents soggy bottoms. Thoroughly pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels this crucial step ensures crispy skin and better seasoning adhesion. Season generously with salt and pepper then rub with olive oil to help conduct heat evenly.
- First Bake:
- Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on your prepared rack with some space between each piece for proper air circulation. Bake for 20 minutes which partially cooks the chicken while rendering some fat making the surface perfect for sauce adhesion in the next step.
- Create The Cola BBQ Sauce:
- While the chicken begins cooking combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. The mixture will look thin at first but bring it to a gentle boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You will know it is ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon and has reduced by about one third in volume. The cola caramelizes during this process creating complex flavors.
- Prepare The Cornflake Coating:
- In a wide shallow bowl combine the crushed cornflakes with melted butter paprika and salt. The butter is essential as it helps the cornflakes adhere to the chicken while adding richness. Crush the cornflakes to varied sizes some fine crumbs and some larger pieces for textural interest.
- Apply The Sauce And Coating:
- Remove partially cooked drumsticks from the oven they should be starting to turn golden but not fully cooked. Using a pastry brush generously coat each piece with the thickened cola BBQ sauce ensuring you get into all the crevices. While the sauce is still wet and sticky carefully roll each drumstick in the cornflake mixture pressing gently to adhere the coating all around.
- Final Bake:
- Return the coated drumsticks to the wire rack ensuring they are not touching. Bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken reaches the food safe internal temperature of 165°F and the coating turns beautifully golden and crisp. The cornflakes will toast in the oven adding another dimension of flavor.
Save The cola is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. While it might sound unusual at first the soda reduces into a complex sweet and tangy base that elevates ordinary barbecue sauce into something special. My grandmother actually used cola in her pot roasts which inspired me to experiment with it in other dishes.
Make Ahead options
These drumsticks work beautifully as a make ahead meal. You can prepare the sauce up to three days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The cornflake coating can be mixed a day ahead and kept in an airtight container. For partially completed drumsticks you can bake them the first time coat with sauce and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve simply roll in the cornflake mixture and complete the final bake adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Flavor Variations
The basic recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different flavor profiles. For a spicy version add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ mixture. Create an Asian inspired variation by replacing the cola with ginger ale and adding 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of five spice powder. For a tropical twist substitute pineapple juice for half the cola and add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. The cornflake coating can also be customized with different seasonings like Italian herbs Cajun spice blend or even finely grated parmesan cheese mixed into the crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
These drumsticks shine as the star of your meal when paired with complementary sides. Traditional options include creamy coleslaw potato salad or macaroni and cheese. For a lighter meal serve alongside a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette that cuts through the richness. The drumsticks also work wonderfully as part of a buffet spread for gatherings especially when sliced into smaller portions for easy nibbling. For a complete comfort food experience serve with buttermilk biscuits and honey butter to soak up any extra sauce.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your cornflake coating isnt adhering well ensure your BBQ sauce has properly thickened. A thinner sauce wont provide enough stickiness for the cornflakes. For extra crispy results make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking and consider using the convection setting if available. If the coating starts to brown too quickly before the chicken is fully cooked tent loosely with foil for the remainder of the cooking time.
Save These cola BBQ drumsticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious combination of sticky sauce and crunchy coating!
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes the cola BBQ sauce unique?
The cola adds sweetness and subtle caramel notes to the sauce, balancing tang from ketchup and vinegar.
- → How do I keep the cornflake coating crispy?
Baking at a high temperature and broiling briefly at the end ensures a crisp, golden crust.
- → Can I use other chicken cuts?
Yes, wings or thighs work well. Adjust baking time for different cuts to ensure proper doneness.
- → Are there spicy variations for the sauce?
Add a pinch of cayenne or extra chili powder for heat, customizing the flavor to your preference.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use certified gluten-free cornflakes to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → What are good side dishes for serving?
This dish pairs well with creamy coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or fresh summer salads.