Baking BBQ chicken drumsticks always fills the kitchen with an enticingly smoky aroma, prompting everyone to gather around the table in anticipation. This recipe not only takes around 40 minutes from start to finish but also guarantees incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken thanks to the oven’s heat caramelizing the BBQ sauce.
This recipe is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or game day celebrations. You can make the drumsticks ahead of time or store any leftovers for quick weeknight meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The chicken drumsticks turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- With just a handful of ingredients, preparation is quick and straightforward.
- A sticky BBQ glaze coats every bite, enhancing flavor immensely.
- They make an ideal finger food for parties or casual gatherings.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks.
For the Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Olive oil helps the seasonings stick better.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken thighs for juicier meat
- Any favorite BBQ sauce
- Olive oil with melted butter
- Paprika swapped with cayenne for heat
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks.
Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
Drizzle and season
Drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, and any optional spices you prefer.
Toss the chicken
Toss the drumsticks until they are evenly coated.
Arrange the drumsticks
Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Brush with BBQ sauce
Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush the BBQ sauce over them.
Bake again
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Serve hot
Serve the drumsticks hot with additional BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
How to Store It
Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 3 months if well-wrapped.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the chicken is dried properly for extra crispiness.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken with spices for a couple of hours or overnight before cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet to promote even cooking and browning.
- Baste with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes for a richer glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
- Serve alongside corn on the cob for a summer feel.
- Great with a side of baked beans for a hearty meal.
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