There’s something timeless and soul-satisfying about a plate of BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with creamy Potato Salad. The smoky aroma of grilled chicken glazed with tangy barbecue sauce and the comforting creaminess of a classic potato salad make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Whether it’s a summer cookout, a Sunday family dinner, or a picnic at the park, this dish never fails to impress. The chicken drumsticks are juicy on the inside and caramelized on the outside with sticky, finger-licking BBQ sauce, while the potato salad offers a cool and creamy balance with just the right amount of tang.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of smoky, savory, creamy, and tangy flavors — all on one plate. The BBQ chicken drumsticks remind me of backyard barbecues and warm evenings spent with friends, while the potato salad adds that comforting, homemade touch.

It’s also incredibly versatile: you can cook the chicken on a grill, bake it in the oven, or even air-fry it, and it still turns out amazing. The potato salad, with its creamy dressing and crunchy celery, complements the smoky chicken beautifully. Plus, both components can be made ahead of time — perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it captures the essence of comfort and celebration in one meal. The smoky-sweet glaze on the drumsticks paired with the creamy potato salad hits every craving — savory, sweet, tangy, and hearty.

It’s also an excellent dish for gatherings, as it’s easy to scale up for a crowd. And since it combines protein and carbs in one plate, it’s a complete, satisfying meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

• Serves: 4
• Calories: ~620 kcal per serving

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / BBQ

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for spice)

For the Potato Salad:

• 1½ pounds potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and cubed
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• ½ small red onion, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

1. Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel.
2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
3. Add the drumsticks and toss to coat evenly.
4. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Drumsticks

Option 1 – Grill:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
3. Brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of grilling, allowing the sauce to caramelize beautifully.

Option 2 – Oven:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
3. Arrange drumsticks on the rack and bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes for a glossy finish.

Option 3 – Air Fryer:

1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Place drumsticks in a single layer and cook for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Brush with BBQ sauce and air fry for another 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Potato Salad

1. Add the potatoes to a pot of salted boiling water.
2. Cook for 10–12 minutes, until fork-tender but not mushy.
3. Drain and let cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Add potatoes, celery, onion, and eggs to the dressing.
6. Toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
7. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Step 4: Serve

1. Place 2 BBQ chicken drumsticks on a plate.
2. Add a generous scoop of creamy potato salad on the side.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this dish with:

• A side of grilled corn, coleslaw, or green salad.
• A refreshing drink like iced tea, lemonade, or cold beer for the perfect summer pairing.

It’s also great for picnics or potlucks — just pack the potato salad in a chilled container and the chicken in foil to keep warm.

Recipe Tips

• For juicier chicken, marinate overnight in the fridge.
• Don’t overcook potatoes — they should hold shape for a creamy but firm salad.
• Mix the BBQ sauce near the end of cooking to prevent burning.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the potato salad dressing for extra depth.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayo.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy BBQ Drumsticks:
   Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your BBQ glaze.
2. Honey BBQ Chicken:
   Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into your BBQ sauce for a sweet, sticky finish.
3. German Potato Salad:
   Skip the mayo and make a warm potato salad with vinegar, olive oil, and bacon bits.
4. Smoky Grilled Version:
   Add wood chips to your grill for a deep smoky flavor.
5. Loaded Potato Salad:
   Stir in crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and chives for an indulgent twist.

Freezing and Storage

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in oven or air fryer.

Potato Salad:

• Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: Not recommended (mayonnaise separates when frozen).

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill or oven (or air fryer)
• Mixing bowls
• Pot for boiling potatoes
• Tongs
• Wire rack (if baking)
• Meat thermometer

FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks?
Yes! Adjust cooking time accordingly — thighs may need 5–10 more minutes, wings slightly less.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes — cook chicken and make potato salad a day in advance. Reheat the chicken before serving.

Q3: What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
A smoky or hickory-flavored BBQ sauce works best, but use your favorite brand or homemade version.

Q4: Can I make the potato salad vegan?
Yes! Use vegan mayo and omit the eggs for a delicious dairy-free version.

Q5: How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and the juices should run clear.

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with Potato Salad is a classic comfort meal that never disappoints. Juicy, caramelized chicken paired with cool, creamy potato salad offers a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures that feels like home on a plate.

It’s hearty, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing — perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or even casual get-togethers. Once you make it, you’ll see why this timeless pairing remains a beloved favorite around the world.