Easy Barbecue Chicken with Store-Bought Sauce
Anyone Can Make This Delicious Barbecue Chicken Using a Pre-made Sauce!
This barbecue chicken recipe is perfect for when you’re not confident in the kitchen or just don’t feel like doing a lot of prep work! 🙂 It’s a fantastic option for unexpected guests or when you’re craving something tasty to go with your drinks. Let’s make it simply using a store-bought sauce! 🙂
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2/3 bottle store-bought barbecue sauce
- 4 bay leaves
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start with 8 chicken drumsticks. To remove any gamey smell, you’ll briefly boil them with aromatic ingredients you have at home. I’m using 4 bay leaves for this step. (Optional)
Step 2
Once the water is boiling, add the chicken drumsticks and let them simmer. This process helps to remove impurities from the chicken. Cook them for about 10 minutes until they are halfway done. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want to retain the delicious juices!
Step 3
Rinse the par-boiled chicken drumsticks under clean water. To help the sauce penetrate well, score the chicken about 2-3 times, making cuts deep enough to reach near the bone. This ensures better flavor absorption and even cooking.
Step 4
For this recipe, we’ll be using a store-bought barbecue sauce. You can use any brand you prefer, but choosing one you already enjoy will likely lead to the best results.
Step 5
Place the scored chicken drumsticks in a bowl and add about half a bottle of the store-bought barbecue sauce. Gently massage the sauce into the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Marinating deepens the taste, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, though the flavor will be even better with marination.
Step 6
Heat a frying pan and add the marinated chicken drumsticks. Pour in enough water to cover the chicken by more than half. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook slowly until the chicken is done all the way through. (It’s recommended to add slightly more water than shown in the picture. Cooking with the lid on over low heat ensures even cooking inside.)
Step 7
Flip the chicken drumsticks occasionally as they cook and the liquid reduces. When the sauce is nearly evaporated, add more barbecue sauce to your taste. I used about 2/3 of the bottle for 8 drumsticks. It’s best to add sauce gradually while cooking rather than all at once, to adjust the seasoning perfectly.
Step 8
Continue cooking uncovered until the sauce has thickened to a glossy, coating consistency. When the sauce is slightly reduced and coats the chicken beautifully, it’s ready! The goal is a glaze that’s not too watery but just enough to coat each piece.
Step 9
You’ve made incredibly delicious barbecue chicken! There’s no gamey smell, and the tender drumstick meat paired with the sweet and savory barbecue sauce is divine. I even served it with some rice balls because I didn’t feel like making other side dishes, and it was devoured instantly by everyone! ㅋㅋ It’s a wonderful dish for special occasions or even just an ordinary day.
