I am so excited to share this recipe with you all, as it’s been a staple in our household for years. Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a classic American dish that originated from the Southern states, where barbecue is a way of life.
The combination of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and the crunch of fresh herbs is absolute perfection. When I first made this recipe for my family, they devoured it in seconds, and it quickly became a regular feature in our meal planning.
It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like holidays or game days. And the best part?
It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort from me, the cook! I love how the oven does all the work for me, leaving me free to attend to other tasks or just relax with the family while we wait for dinner to be ready.
My kids adore helping me with this recipe, too – they love getting their hands dirty (literally!) by sprinkling the herbs and spices on top of the drumsticks before baking.
It’s such a fun activity that they look forward to every time we have it for dinner.
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
4.9 from 926 votes
Juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a smoky, sweet barbecue sauce and baked until golden and tender. This easy recipe delivers crispy skin and moist meat with minimal effort.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
4Add the chicken drumsticks and toss until evenly coated.
5Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
6Bake for 25 minutes, until the skin begins to brown and crisp.
7While the chicken bakes, make the BBQ sauce.
8In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and onion powder.
9Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
10Remove the baking sheet from the oven.
11Using a basting brush, generously coat each drumstick with the prepared BBQ sauce.
12Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized and the internal temperature of the thickest part of a drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C).
13Remove from the oven and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes.
14Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.
For extra crispiness, broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce to save time.
Watch Video Of How Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Works
This baked BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering like holidays or game days.
My family loves how tender and flavorful these drumsticks turn out after baking.
And let’s not forget about storage – you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Q: What type of chicken drumsticks are best for this recipe?
A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks. The bone and skin will help keep the meat juicy and add flavor as it bakes. If you can’t find drumsticks with skin, you can use bone-in only, but keep an eye on them while they bake so they don’t dry out.
Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
A: You can definitely use store-bought BBQ sauce if you prefer a more convenient option. However, I highly recommend making your own BBQ sauce from scratch for maximum flavor and control over the ingredients. You can find plenty of simple recipes online or in cookbooks.
Q: How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
A: To prevent overcooking and keep the chicken moist, make sure to not overbake them. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – leave enough space between each drumstick so air can circulate and help them cook evenly.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: You can prep the chicken drumsticks up to a day in advance by marinating them in your favorite seasonings and storing them in the refrigerator overnight. Then simply bake them when you’re ready for dinner.
Q: What sides go well with baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?
A: Some popular side dishes that pair well with this recipe include coleslaw, baked beans, grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers, or even some crusty cornbread.
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