Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

– 8 chicken drumsticks, approximately 2½ pounds
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ¾ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Passion Fruit BBQ Sauce

– ½ cup passion fruit pulp, strained to remove the seeds
– ½ cup ketchup
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the drumsticks and toss until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between the pieces.
5. Bake for 25 minutes.
6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. Combine the passion fruit pulp, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat.
8. After the chicken has baked for 25 minutes, brush every drumstick generously with the passion fruit BBQ sauce.
9. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, brushing with additional sauce once or twice.
10. Check that the thickest part of each drumstick reaches an internal temperature of 165°F without the thermometer touching the bone. If needed, continue cooking until safe.
11. For extra caramelization, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
12. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with grilled corn, roasted sweet potatoes, or a fresh cabbage slaw. Reserve some sauce before brushing the raw chicken and drizzle it over the finished drumsticks.

Recipe Note: Passion fruit provides a bright, tangy flavor that balances the smoky, sweet BBQ sauce.