Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a classic comfort food that combines juicy, tender chicken with a smoky, sweet, and tangy barbecue glaze. This dish is loved for its simplicity and bold flavor, making it perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Baking the drumsticks allows the chicken to cook evenly while developing a sticky, caramelized BBQ coating without the need for frying or grilling. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, this recipe delivers satisfying results every single time.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe because it is incredibly easy yet packed with flavor. The chicken turns out tender on the inside with a beautifully glazed exterior, and the oven does all the work. It’s a dependable recipe that works for busy weeknights and always pleases both kids and adults. The balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors makes it a go-to favorite in my kitchen.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dish because it delivers restaurant-style BBQ flavor using a simple baking method. It’s budget-friendly, versatile, and requires very little hands-on time. Whether you are new to cooking or an experienced home cook, this recipe guarantees juicy chicken with irresistible barbecue flavor every time.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings and Calories

Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 390 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup barbecue sauce

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.
3. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss drumsticks with olive oil until evenly coated.
5. Arrange chicken on a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip drumsticks.
7. Brush generously with barbecue sauce.
8. Return to oven and bake until chicken is cooked through and glaze is sticky.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat drumsticks dry and season evenly with spices and oil.

Step 2: First Bake
Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and bake until partially cooked.

Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce
Flip the drumsticks and brush generously with barbecue sauce.

Step 4: Final Bake
Return to the oven and bake until caramelized and fully cooked.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Allow the chicken to rest briefly before serving for best juiciness.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks hot with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, or baked beans. They also pair well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• Drying the chicken helps the seasoning stick and improves browning.
• Use a wire rack over the baking sheet for extra crispiness.
• Brush sauce in layers for deeper BBQ flavor.
• Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Variations

• Spicy BBQ Drumsticks – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
• Honey BBQ Chicken – Mix honey into the barbecue sauce for extra sweetness.
• Garlic BBQ Drumsticks – Add minced garlic to the sauce before brushing.
• Sugar-Free Version – Use a low-sugar or homemade BBQ sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 2 months.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer

Conclusion

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that delivers juicy chicken with a perfectly caramelized barbecue glaze. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual entertaining. It’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings bold BBQ flavor straight from the oven to your table.