Easy Oven Baked BBQ Drumsticks: Crispy, Juicy Chicken Dinner in Under an Hour

Crispy Oven Baked BBQ Drumsticks – Finger-Licking Good!

Craving that delicious BBQ flavor but don’t want to fire up the grill? These oven baked BBQ drumsticks are the perfect solution! Tender, juicy chicken with a caramelized, sticky BBQ coating that will have your family asking for seconds. This easy weeknight dinner combines the convenience of oven baking with the irresistible flavor of barbecue.

Why You’ll Love These Oven Baked Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks

There’s something undeniably satisfying about digging into a plate of saucy, tender chicken drumsticks. This recipe delivers all the flavor of traditional barbecue without the need for a grill or smoker. The magic happens in your oven, where the drumsticks cook to juicy perfection while developing a caramelized, sticky exterior that’s absolutely irresistible.

Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, these drumsticks are:

• Budget-friendly – drumsticks are one of the most economical cuts of chicken
• Kid-approved – the sweet and tangy BBQ flavor is a hit with children
• Versatile – pair with any sides for a complete meal
• Easy to customize – use your favorite BBQ sauce or spice blend

Ingredients You’ll Need For Perfect BBQ Drumsticks

• 1.5 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 6-8 drumsticks)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works wonderfully)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra stickiness)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, adds tanginess)

Kitchen Tools Required

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil or parchment paper
• Wire rack (optional, but helps with even cooking)
• Small mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (recommended)

How to Make the Best Oven Baked BBQ Drumsticks

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you have one, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick and promotes crispy skin.
3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create your spice rub.
4. Coat the drumsticks evenly with the spice mixture, rubbing it into the meat to ensure full coverage.
5. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
7. While the drumsticks are baking, prepare your BBQ sauce. If using store-bought sauce, you can enhance it by mixing in the honey and apple cider vinegar for added depth of flavor.
8. After the initial 25 minutes of baking, remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush generously with the BBQ sauce, coating all sides.
9. Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes.
10. Apply a second coat of BBQ sauce and continue baking for 5-7 more minutes, until the sauce is caramelized and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
11. For an extra sticky finish, you can brush on one final layer of sauce just before serving.
12. Allow the drumsticks to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Pro Tips for Perfect Oven Baked Barbecue Drumsticks

• Pat dry thoroughly: Removing moisture from the skin helps achieve that coveted crispiness.
• Use a wire rack: Elevating the drumsticks allows hot air to circulate around the entire piece of chicken for even cooking and crisper skin.
• Don’t rush the sauce: Adding BBQ sauce too early can cause it to burn before the chicken is cooked through. That’s why we apply it only in the final 15 minutes of cooking.
• Temperature check: Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
• Customize your flavors: Try adding a dash of cayenne for heat, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for sweetness to your spice rub.
• Make extra: These drumsticks are fantastic as leftovers and can be repurposed in wraps or salads the next day!

Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Drumsticks

These oven baked BBQ drumsticks pair perfectly with classic comfort food sides. Consider serving them with:

• Creamy coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast
• Buttery corn on the cob
• Homemade mac and cheese
• Baked beans
• Potato salad or crispy french fries
• Simple green salad with ranch dressing

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your BBQ drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat:

• Oven method (best for preserving texture): Preheat to 350°F, place drumsticks on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave method (quick option): Place drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second increments until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked BBQ Drumsticks

Can I use other chicken parts for this recipe?

Absolutely! While this recipe is optimized for drumsticks, you can use thighs, wings, or even a whole cut-up chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly as different cuts may require more or less time in the oven.

How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning?

The key is to apply the sauce only during the final stages of cooking. Starting with a dry spice rub allows the chicken to cook properly before adding the sugary sauce, which can burn if exposed to high heat for too long.

Can I make these drumsticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. You can also fully cook the drumsticks, refrigerate them, and reheat when ready to serve, though they’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

What’s the best way to get crispy skin on baked drumsticks?

For crispy skin: 1) Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning, 2) Cook on a wire rack to allow air circulation, 3) Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before adding the chicken.

These delicious oven baked BBQ drumsticks are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The combination of a flavorful spice rub and sticky sweet BBQ glaze creates a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes