WW Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Fresh Crunchy Salad

WW Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Fresh Crunchy Salad

6–7 WW points per serving (depends on amount of dressing used)

Last weekend my niece walked into the kitchen and said, “Why does it smell like a summer barbecue in here?”
I told her I was making a lighter version of grilled drumsticks — and she sat at the table waiting like she was judging a cooking show.
When she took the first bite, she just nodded and said, “Yep… this one’s going on TikTok.”
So here’s the same plate: juicy grilled chicken + a refreshing crunchy salad, but made WW-friendly and lighter on points.


Ingredients

For the Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

  • 6–8 chicken drumsticks (skin on for the same look)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste

(Reduced oil & honey = way fewer points, same flavor and shine.)

For the Fresh Salad

  • 1 head lettuce, shredded
  • 1 small cucumber, sliced
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

  1. Make the Marinade
    Mix olive oil, soy sauce, honey, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
  2. Marinate
    Toss drumsticks in the marinade and let them sit 30 minutes to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Grill
    Heat grill to medium-high. Cook drumsticks 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and cooked to 165°F (75°C).
    Oven option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway.
  4. Rest & Serve
    Let them sit 3–5 minutes so the juices settle.

2. Fresh Salad

  1. Combine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion in a bowl.
  2. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently.

Tips to Keep It WW-Friendly

  • Use just 1 tsp honey — it keeps the shine without adding points.
  • Lower-olive-oil dressing: 1 tbsp is enough for a big salad if tossed well.
  • For extra flavor without points: add lemon zest, dried herbs, smoked paprika, or a splash of vinegar.

WW Points Breakdown (per serving)

  • Chicken (marinade included): 4–5 points
  • Salad + dressing: 2 points

Total: 6–7 points, depending on dressing use.