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Crispy Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks

brown sugar bacon-wrapped chicken drumsticks - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring chicken drumsticks wrapped in bacon and coated with caramelized brown sugar for a crispy, sweet-savory dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (3–4 lbs / 1.3–1.8 kg), skin-on
  • 8–12 thick-cut bacon strips
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (about 100g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt if using, coating evenly.
  4. Wrap each drumstick with one to one and a half strips of bacon, overlapping slightly to cover most of the chicken.
  5. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the bacon-wrapped drumsticks, pressing gently to help it stick. Optionally, brush lightly with water or melted butter for extra caramelization.
  6. Arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack or directly on the foil-lined tray, spacing them for air circulation.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until bacon is crispy and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. If bacon is not crispy enough, broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning the sugar.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and glaze to set.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispiness. Use a wire rack for even cooking. Turn drumsticks halfway through baking. Broil carefully to avoid burning brown sugar. Let rest before serving. Thick-cut bacon is best. Can substitute chicken thighs with adjusted cooking time. For low-carb, use sugar-free brown sugar substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken drumsticks, bacon-wrapped chicken, brown sugar chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, sweet and savory chicken

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/crispy-brown-sugar-bacon-wrapped-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/