Easy Jerk-Marinated Chicken Drumsticks with Cabbage Slaw

Here's how we made over this recipe to be healthy and diabetes-friendly:

1. We use a marinade to add flavor. The marinade is made up of low-sodium soy sauce, fresh citrus juices and plenty of herbs and spices. Food science research tells us that only 12.5% of a liquid marinade can be absorbed into meat, so we know that most of the sodium in this marinade stays behind. This infuses the chicken with flavor while keeping it lower in sodium.

2. We opt for drumsticks over thighs. This keeps the portion size at two drumsticks per person. Choosing two drumsticks instead of a drumstick and a thigh saves 60 calories and 2 grams saturated fat. (One skin-on chicken thigh has 221 calories and 4.5 g saturated fat, while one skin-on drumstick has 161 calories and 2.5 g saturated fat.)

3. We serve the chicken with a side of vinegar-dressed cabbage slaw. Choosing slaw over a starchier side like rice or beans keeps carbs to a minimum. This simple slaw is made with a very light dressing, which adds just enough flavor but doesn't weigh down the cabbage. We also opt for bagged slaw mix, which cuts down on prep time and makes this side dish come together in minutes.

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Tips From the EatingWell Test Kitchen

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

We haven't tested this recipe using other cuts of chicken, but it will be most successful with another bone-in cut, like chicken thighs or breasts. Purchase the same amount (in weight) and cut breasts in half. Follow the recipe as written, noting that cooking time might be different. Be sure to check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part without touching bone to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Can I use cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?

That's a great idea! If you have a head of cabbage on hand, core it and slice it thinly for that classic coleslaw appearance. If you have a food processor with a shredding blade attachment, you can use that too.

I love my grill; can I use it to grill the chicken?

Grilling is so much fun and, yes, you can grill these chicken legs. Preheat your grill to medium-high, then clean and lightly oil the grill grates. Drain the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place the chicken on the grill grates and grill, turning often, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F.

Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

We love that you want to get some prep work out of the way, but we have a suggestion when it comes to the slaw. To prevent it from becoming a soupy mess, we recommend making the dressing up to 1 day in advance but don't mix it quite yet with the cabbage. Instead, cover it and refrigerate until ready to use. Then, 30 minutes before you're ready to eat, toss the cabbage mixture with the dressing and refrigerate.