Easy BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks: Sticky, Juicy, and Perfectly Seasoned

Juicy Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make? These BBQ baked chicken drumsticks deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe transforms simple chicken legs into a sticky, sweet, and tangy main dish your family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

There’s something irresistible about the combination of smoky barbecue sauce and tender chicken. These drumsticks offer:

• Budget-friendly goodness – chicken legs are one of the most economical cuts of meat
• Hands-off cooking – the oven does most of the work
• Kid-approved flavor – even picky eaters love these sticky drumsticks
• No grill required – enjoy barbecue flavor year-round

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 6-8 drumsticks)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Kitchen Tools

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Wire rack (optional, for crispier skin)
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer

How to Make Perfect BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and promotes crispier skin.
3. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil until evenly coated.
4. Mix the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the drumsticks. Use your hands to massage the spices into the meat.
5. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Bake for 25 minutes. The chicken will start to develop a nice golden color.
7. While the chicken bakes, prepare your barbecue sauce. If using store-bought, consider enhancing it with honey for sweetness or cayenne for heat.
8. After the initial 25 minutes, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Brush generously with barbecue sauce on all sides.
9. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
10. Apply another layer of barbecue sauce and bake for a final 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has caramelized.
11. For extra sticky drumsticks, brush with a final coating of barbecue sauce right after removing from the oven.
12. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Expert Tips for the Best BBQ Drumsticks

• Line your baking sheet: Don’t skip the foil lining – barbecue sauce can burn and create a difficult cleanup.
• Use a wire rack: For crispier results, place a wire rack on your baking sheet and arrange the drumsticks on top. This allows hot air to circulate around the entire drumstick.
• Don’t sauce too early: Adding barbecue sauce at the beginning will cause it to burn before the chicken is cooked through.
• Check for doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let them rest: A 5-minute rest after baking helps keep the meat juicy and allows the sauce to set.

Variations to Try

These BBQ baked chicken drumsticks are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to customize them:

• Spicy BBQ Drumsticks: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to your barbecue sauce
• Honey Garlic BBQ: Mix equal parts honey and barbecue sauce with minced garlic
• Smoky Maple: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup and a teaspoon of liquid smoke to your sauce
• Asian-Inspired: Mix barbecue sauce with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Complete your meal with these perfect side dish pairings:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Baked beans
• Cornbread muffins
• Potato salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Mac and cheese
• Garlic bread

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover BBQ drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: These drumsticks freeze well 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 add a little extra barbecue sauce before reheating to keep them moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other chicken parts for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for drumsticks, you can use chicken thighs, wings, or even bone-in chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts require different cooking times.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear (not pink) when you pierce the thickest part of the drumstick.

Can I make these drumsticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the drumsticks up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator. You can also fully cook them and reheat when ready to serve, though they’re most delicious when freshly made.

Can I grill these instead of baking?

Definitely. Grill over medium heat for about 30-35 minutes, turning occasionally. Add the barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.

What if I don’t have barbecue sauce?

You can make a simple homemade version with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, and spices. Or try a different glaze altogether, like honey-mustard or teriyaki.

Why These BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks Will Become a Family Favorite

With their irresistible combination of tender meat, crispy skin, and sticky-sweet barbecue glaze, these BBQ baked chicken drumsticks are sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. They’re economical, easy to prepare, and always deliver big on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or entertaining guests, this foolproof recipe will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes