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Molasses BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Sweet Potato Wedges

These kid-pleasing drumsticks are served with healthy sweet potatoes and cooked to perfection on the grill. They are sure to become a family favourite during BBQ season.
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 40 min

Ingredients

12 chicken drumsticks, about 2 lb / 1 kg
2 tbsp grapeseed oil
⅓ cup lemon juice
⅓ cup ketchup
⅓ cup blackstrap molasses
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp Chinese five-spice powder, ground
½ tsp hot sauce
½ cup onions, cut in chunks
6 sweet potatoes, small (5 inch/13 cm long)

Food Safety

Before you start, wash all surfaces and your hands with soap and warm water, and remember to wash your hands, utensils and cutting boards after they touch raw meat or eggs. Avoid cross-contamination by using a different cutting board for your meat and other ingredients. Make sure you’re cooking to safe temperatures and chilling any leftovers within two hours. For more food safety tips, visit our Food Safety at Home Section.

Steps

  1. Remove skin from drumsticks and discard. Add chicken to a large re-sealable zip lock bag or a large bowl.

  2. Combine oil, lemon juice, ketchup, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, five spice blend, hot sauce and onion chunks in bowl of a food processor or blender. Puree until smooth to make approximately 1 ½ cups (375 mL) sauce. Measure and reserve ½ cup (125 mL) sauce for basting and keep in the refrigerator until ready to use. Pour the remaining 1-cup (250 mL) of sauce over chicken in a medium size bowl or re-sealable zip lock bag and toss to coat fully with sauce. Seal and refrigerate. Marinate in the refrigerator for two hours or preferably overnight.

  3. Poke holes into the sweet potatoes using a fork. Microwave on HIGH power for three minutes to soften and quicken cooking. Cut each into 4 to 6 wedges depending on their size. Set aside.

  4. Preheat BBQ grill on medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade. Grill the chicken drumsticks and sweet potato wedges on the top rack with the lid closed. Baste both drumsticks and sweet potato wedges with the reserved sauce during cooking. Grill the drumsticks and sweet potatoes, turning over, and continuing to cook until the chicken drumsticks are browned and the potato wedges are tender – approximately 20 minutes per side for the drumsticks or until a thermometer inserted into the chicken reads 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately.

Nutrition Info

Per 350 g serving Amount
Calories439
Protein31 g
Fat12 g
Saturated Fat2 g
Carbohydrate47 g
Fibre4 g
Sugar20 g
Cholesterol115 mg
Sodium430 mg
Per 350 g serving % Daily Value
Potassium34
Calcium10
Iron20
Vitamin A530
Vitamin C30
Vitamin B653
Vitamin B1228
Folate16
Zinc43