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
Scale
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.
