These fiesta Whole30 chicken drumsticks are marinated in a flavorful homemade Paleo and Whole30 taco sauce. The sauce uses just a few simple, clean ingredients, and when you grill the drumsticks they make a quick dinner or an easy protein option for meal prep in under 30 minutes. If you don’t have a grill, the oven method works beautifully and yields juicy, well-seasoned drumsticks.
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I’ve been grilling nonstop this summer. It’s our first summer in our first home, so I’m still in the “honeymoon phase” with the backyard, deck, and grill. Having that outdoor space is a huge change from last summer, when I lived in a tiny apartment with no air conditioning and no way to grill. That said, I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be grill-less, so I include oven instructions so anyone can make these Whole30 chicken drumsticks whether they have a grill or not.
The homemade Paleo taco sauce is one of my favorite parts of this recipe. It’s simple, clean, and free of the additives you’ll often find in store-bought sauces. Beyond everyday spices, the sauce relies on tomato sauce and a good-quality chicken broth. I often use powdered bone broth for convenience and minimal waste. Powdered bone broth stores easily, lasts a long time, and means I don’t have to open a carton and risk wasting the remainder.
Powdered bone broth is especially handy for Whole30 and Paleo cooking because appropriate store-bought broths can be hard to find. A pure powdered bone broth product contains only the single ingredient of dehydrated bone broth, which makes it easy to keep on hand and to use in sauces, soups, and marinades.
The fastest way to prepare these drumsticks is on a hot grill or in a grill pan, but the oven-baked method produces equally delicious results. You can also use the same sauce and method with chicken wings or tenders if that’s what you have on hand. The sauce doubles as a versatile condiment — it’s great on tacos, roasted vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.
Fiesta Whole30 Chicken Drumsticks & Paleo Homemade Taco Sauce
Fiesta Whole30 Chicken Drumsticks & Paleo Homemade Taco Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 13.4 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth (or 1 cup water mixed with 2 scoops powdered chicken bone broth)
- 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix water and powdered bone broth to reconstitute the broth if using powdered broth.
- Combine the broth, tomato sauce, vinegar, and all spices in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool until it is no longer steaming.
- Place the drumsticks in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour 1 1/2 cups of the cooled sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat each piece well.
- Seal and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Reserve the remaining sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
- If grilling, preheat the grill to medium heat. If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grill the drumsticks about 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- For oven-baked drumsticks, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for about 40 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until fully cooked.
Notes
Store any leftover sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage. Oven times can vary depending on the oven and the size of the drumsticks; always check internal temperature to ensure doneness.
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