Easy Oven-Baked BBQ Drumsticks: A Juicy, Foolproof Chicken Recipe

Perfectly Glazed Oven-Baked BBQ Drumsticks

Looking for a foolproof BBQ drumsticks recipe that delivers mouthwatering results every time? These oven-baked chicken drumsticks are slathered in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce and baked to juicy perfection. They’re ideal for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or summer cookouts without firing up the grill!

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Drumsticks

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly glazed chicken drumstick. The combination of sticky-sweet barbecue sauce and tender, juicy chicken makes these BBQ drumsticks an instant family favorite. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal prep work and lets your oven do most of the heavy lifting!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 6-8 drumsticks)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)

Kitchen Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Wire rack (optional, for crispier results)
• Small mixing bowl
• Basting brush

How to Make Perfect BBQ Drumsticks in the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack, place it on top of the baking sheet for crispier results.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes browning in the oven.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks and rub to coat evenly. Then sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the drumsticks, ensuring they’re well coated.
5. Place the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
7. While the chicken is baking, prepare your barbecue sauce. If using store-bought sauce, you can enhance it by mixing ¾ cup of barbecue sauce with honey and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
8. After the initial 25 minutes of baking, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Using a basting brush, generously coat each drumstick with barbecue sauce.
9. Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes.
10. Apply a second layer of barbecue sauce and bake for a final 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
11. For an extra-glazed finish, you can brush one more layer of barbecue sauce on the drumsticks right after removing them from the oven.
12. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Pro Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• Pat dry before seasoning: Always pat the chicken dry before adding oil and seasonings. This promotes browning and helps seasonings adhere better.
• Multiple sauce layers: The secret to that sticky, restaurant-quality glaze is applying multiple layers of sauce during the final cooking stages.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your drumsticks are perfectly cooked, check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Let them rest: Allow the cooked drumsticks to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Customize your sauce: Feel free to doctor up your favorite store-bought barbecue sauce with additions like honey, brown sugar, hot sauce, or a splash of bourbon!

Perfect Side Dishes for BBQ Drumsticks

These finger-licking good drumsticks pair wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like:

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

Variations to Try with Your BBQ Drumsticks

Spicy BBQ Drumsticks

Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix and mix some hot sauce into your barbecue sauce for a kick of heat!

Honey-Garlic BBQ Drumsticks

Combine equal parts barbecue sauce and honey, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and a splash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.

Smoky Maple BBQ Drumsticks

Add ¼ cup of real maple syrup to your barbecue sauce along with an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika for deep, smoky-sweet flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Drumsticks

Store any leftover BBQ drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven method helps maintain their texture better.

FAQs About Making BBQ Drumsticks

Can I make these BBQ drumsticks on the grill instead?

Absolutely! Grill the drumsticks over medium heat for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally. Add the barbecue sauce in the final 10 minutes to prevent burning.

How do I know when my BBQ drumsticks are fully cooked?

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

Can I use frozen drumsticks for this recipe?

It’s best to fully thaw drumsticks before baking for even cooking. If using frozen drumsticks, increase the initial baking time by about 50% before adding barbecue sauce.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

Use whatever style you prefer! Sweet and smoky Kansas City-style, tangy Carolina, or spicy Texas barbecue sauce all work wonderfully. You can even use a combination to create your own signature flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a backyard gathering, these oven-baked BBQ drumsticks deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The sticky-sweet glaze and juicy, tender meat will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Recipe inspired by Allrecipes