Easy Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Juicy, Sticky, and Foolproof

Perfectly Juicy Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner without firing up the grill? These oven BBQ chicken drumsticks deliver all the sticky, sweet, and tangy flavors you love with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings when you want that barbecue taste without the outdoor cooking hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a saucy, tender chicken drumstick. This recipe takes the classic BBQ flavor we all crave and makes it accessible year-round, regardless of weather or whether you own a grill. The chicken emerges from the oven with a beautiful caramelized exterior while remaining incredibly moist inside.

Best of all, this baked barbecue chicken requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for:

• Busy weeknight family dinners
• Game day gatherings when you need to feed a crowd
• Meal prep for easy lunches throughout the week
• Indoor “barbecues” during colder months

Simple Ingredients for Flavor-Packed Oven BBQ Drumsticks

• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, divided
• Optional: 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sticky-sweet glaze)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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 the baking sheet for even better air circulation.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures crispy skin and better seasoning adhesion.
3. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If using cayenne, add it to this mix.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks and rub to coat evenly. Then sprinkle the seasoning mixture all over the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
5. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece for heat circulation.
6. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
7. Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush each piece generously with about half of the BBQ sauce. If using honey, mix it with the sauce first for an extra-sticky glaze.
8. Return the drumsticks to the oven and continue baking for another 10 minutes.
9. Brush the drumsticks with the remaining BBQ sauce and bake for a final 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is caramelized.
10. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help lock in the juices.

Pro Tips for the Best Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken

• Don’t rush the sauce: Adding BBQ sauce too early can cause it to burn. That’s why we apply it in stages during the last part of cooking.
• Line your pan: BBQ sauce gets sticky and can be challenging to clean. Always use foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
• Use a meat thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken is to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Pat dry first: Removing excess moisture from the chicken skin helps achieve that coveted crispy texture before adding sauce.
• Customize your sauce: Feel free to doctor up store-bought BBQ sauce with additions like minced garlic, honey, hot sauce, or a splash of bourbon for your signature flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Your Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These saucy drumsticks pair beautifully with classic BBQ sides:

• Creamy coleslaw
• Cornbread muffins
• Baked beans
• Potato salad or mac and cheese
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Simple green salad

Storing and Reheating Leftover BBQ Chicken

Storage: Refrigerate leftover drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can add a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating if desired. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other chicken pieces for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken thighs, wings, or even leg quarters. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as larger pieces may take longer to reach 165°F internal temperature.

How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning?

The key is adding the sauce during the final stages of cooking. BBQ sauce contains sugars that can burn if exposed to high heat for too long. By adding it in the last 15 minutes, you get perfect caramelization without burning.

Can I make these oven BBQ chicken 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 and refrigerate them, then reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Why Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Are Perfect for Any Occasion

From casual family dinners to game day gatherings, these oven BBQ chicken drumsticks deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They give you that authentic barbecue taste year-round, regardless of weather or whether you own a grill. The next time you’re craving that sweet-savory-sticky BBQ goodness, skip the takeout and try this simple yet impressive recipe instead!

Recipe adapted from AllRecipes