Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: A Crowd-Pleasing Oven-Baked Dinner Recipe

Mouthwatering Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for a foolproof baked chicken drumsticks BBQ recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort? These juicy, tender drumsticks are coated in a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce and baked to perfection in your oven. No grill required for this family-favorite dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Oven BBQ Chicken Recipe

• Simple ingredients – Basic pantry staples transform ordinary drumsticks into a mouthwatering meal
• Budget-friendly – Chicken drumsticks are one of the most economical cuts of meat
• Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love these sticky-sweet drumsticks
• Year-round BBQ flavor – No need to wait for grilling season!

Perfect Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks – Key Information

Ingredients for BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• 1.5 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 6-8 pieces)
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (plus extra for basting)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Easy Step-by-Step BBQ Drumsticks Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top if you have one.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick and promotes crispier skin.
3. In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
4. Drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over, making sure to coat them evenly.
5. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce on all sides.
8. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Brush with another layer of BBQ sauce and bake for 5 more minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
10. For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
11. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
12. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve with additional BBQ sauce on the side.

Expert Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Drumsticks

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for better adhesion of spices and crispier skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
• Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup – BBQ sauce can be sticky!
• Use a baking rack if available to elevate the drumsticks, allowing heat to circulate and creating a crispier result.
• Apply BBQ sauce in layers for deeper flavor and that perfect sticky-sweet exterior.
• Let the chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy and tender.

Variations for BBQ Baked Drumsticks

• Spicy BBQ Drumsticks: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to your BBQ sauce.
• Honey BBQ Drumsticks: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into your BBQ sauce for extra sweetness.
• Garlic Parmesan BBQ: Add minced garlic and grated parmesan to your BBQ sauce.
• Asian-Inspired: Use a combination of hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and honey instead of BBQ sauce.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh chopped herbs like rosemary and thyme to your seasoning mix.

What to Serve with Your Baked BBQ Drumsticks

Complete your meal with these delicious side dish ideas:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese
• Potato salad
• Baked beans
• Cornbread
• Roasted vegetables
• Garden salad

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover baked BBQ chicken drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: These can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the texture won’t be as good.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked BBQ Drumsticks

How do I know when my chicken drumsticks are done?

Chicken drumsticks should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. The meat should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear.

Can I use frozen drumsticks?

It’s best to fully thaw drumsticks before baking for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the cooking time significantly and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Can I make these baked BBQ drumsticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the drumsticks up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also fully cook them and reheat when ready to serve.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite! Sweet, spicy, smoky – they all work wonderfully. You can use store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce according to your preference.

These baked chicken drumsticks BBQ style are the perfect solution for a hassle-free dinner that delivers big on flavor. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – just season, bake, and baste for an incredible meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Give these drumsticks a try for your next family dinner!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes