There’s something so heartwarming about the smell of BBQ chicken wafting through the kitchen. It brings back memories of summer cookouts and family gatherings, doesn’t it? This recipe for Ultimate Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Paprika Fries and Creamy Coleslaw is not just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend feasts with friends. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket!
Why You’ll Love Ultimate Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Paprika Fries & Creamy Coleslaw
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
For the BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Paprika Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For the Creamy Coleslaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Ultimate Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Paprika Fries & Creamy Coleslaw
For the BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated in the marinade.
- Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, basting with additional BBQ sauce halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and sticky.
For the Paprika Fries:
- While the chicken is baking, wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into thin strips to resemble fries.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on another baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for the last 25-30 minutes of the chicken’s cooking time, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
For the Creamy Coleslaw:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss until everything is well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Substitutions & Additions
If you want to switch things up a bit, here are some ideas:
- Use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks for a juicier meat option.
- Swap your favorite BBQ sauce for a spicy or sweet variety to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- Add some sliced jalapenos or chopped herbs to the creamy coleslaw for an extra kick.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly:
- Make sure to coat the chicken drumsticks well in the marinade for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets; this helps everything cook evenly and get crispy.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can marinate the chicken the night before!
How to Store Ultimate Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Paprika Fries & Creamy Coleslaw
Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store them:
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The paprika fries are best eaten fresh but can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat them in the oven for crispiness.
- The creamy coleslaw will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.
FAQs
Can I make the coleslaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the coleslaw a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a simple green salad for a complete meal!
Can I use a different type of potato for the fries?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes would be a delicious alternative.
For more delicious recipes, check out Twix Cookie Cups or Pineapple Pound Cake for treats you will love!
I hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen, just like it does to mine. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more tasty ideas!

Ultimate Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Paprika Fries & Creamy Coleslaw
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated in the marinade.
- Step 4: Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, basting with additional BBQ sauce halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and sticky.
- Step 6: While the chicken is baking, wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into thin strips to resemble fries.
- Step 7: In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.
- Step 8: Spread the fries in a single layer on another baking sheet.
- Step 9: Bake in the oven for the last 25-30 minutes of the chicken's cooking time, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Step 10: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Step 11: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Step 12: Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots, and toss until everything is well coated.
- Step 13: Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.









