If you’re on the hunt for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is your new best friend. Perfectly crispy on the outside with tender, juicy meat inside, these drumsticks are slathered in rich, tangy barbecue sauce that sings with every bite. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to impress guests or family without any fuss. Plus, the aroma filling your kitchen during baking is pure comfort food bliss. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee these Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks will become a regular star in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the magic behind a great Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe. Each element plays a vital role—from the olive oil that helps the skin crisp beautifully to the paprika adding a subtle smoky depth, and of course, the barbecue sauce tying everything together with its tangy sweetness.
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 1 ¾ lbs.): Choose fresh or thawed chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to crisp the skin and lock in moisture.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 1 ¼ cups barbecue sauce: The heart of this dish—use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for maximum deliciousness.
How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Drumsticks
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels—this step is crucial to getting that skin nice and crispy. Then, toss the chicken in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika, and make sure every drumstick is coated evenly. This simple seasoning allows the natural chicken flavor to shine while building the foundation for the barbecue sauce’s rich profile.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil or a baking rack to ensure even cooking. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. This initial bake cooks the chicken through and starts the crisping process without burning the BBQ sauce that comes next. You’ll want to turn them halfway for even color.
Step 3: Add the BBQ Sauce
Pull the drumsticks out of the oven and generously brush each piece with the barbecue sauce. Don’t be shy here—this sauce adds both moisture and that irresistible tangy glaze. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes beautifully on the drumsticks.
Step 4: Final Broil for Extra Crisp
If you’re craving a bit more crunch and slightly charred edges (and who isn’t?), switch your oven to broil and cook the drumsticks for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn. The broil step seals in all those flavors with a perfect finish.
How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that contrasts the richness of the BBQ glaze. For a bit of heat, try a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who like it spicy.
Side Dishes
These drumsticks pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or a crisp green salad. If you want something heartier, roasted veggies or sweet potato fries balance the savory, smoky flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking of serving these at a gathering? Arrange the drumsticks on a platter lined with lettuce leaves and garnish with lemon wedges for a bright contrast. Or, serve them alongside a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dunking—everyone loves a good finger-licking experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover drumsticks in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken will stay juicy and the BBQ flavors deepen, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked drumsticks by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftover Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes so they warm evenly and maintain their crispness. Avoid the microwave to keep the skin delightfully crispy.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While drumsticks are perfect for this recipe due to their size and juiciness, you can also use chicken thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What type of barbecue sauce works best?
This recipe is versatile with BBQ sauces. A smoky sauce complements the paprika well, but sweet and tangy sauces also work beautifully. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Marinating is not necessary here because the spice rub and BBQ sauce pack plenty of flavor, and the baking process helps infuse the taste. However, marinating overnight can add an extra depth of flavor if you have time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just be sure to choose a gluten-free barbecue sauce and double-check your spices. This recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive diners.
How can I make the skin extra crispy?
Patting the drumsticks dry before seasoning is key. Using a rack while baking allows air to circulate under the chicken, helping the skin crisp up nicely. The final broil step also adds wonderful crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish that brings big flavors and comfort with minimal prep. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a weekend feast, these drumsticks bring everyone to the table with smiles and happy taste buds. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it just might become your favorite go-to for easy, irresistible homemade BBQ chicken.
Print
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 drumsticks
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make Baked BBQ Chicken featuring tender and juicy drumsticks coated with a flavorful blend of spices and sticky barbecue sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this recipe combines simple ingredients and baking techniques to create a mouth-watering main course.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 1 ¾ lbs.)
Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce
- 1 ¼ cups barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps to achieve crispier skin during baking.
- Season the Drumsticks: Place the drumsticks in a large bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika evenly across all pieces. Toss thoroughly to ensure every drumstick is well coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Arrange for Baking: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if you have one. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the rack in a single layer, spaced apart to allow hot air circulation for even cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the drumsticks for about 35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin starts to crisp.
- Apply Barbecue Sauce: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush the barbecue sauce generously on each piece. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to caramelize and stick to the chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps to retain juices and enhances flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Baked BBQ Chicken!
Notes
- You can use your favorite BBQ sauce, or prepare a homemade version with ingredients like ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
- For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
