oven baked bbq chicken drumsticks recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best oven baked bbq chicken drumsticks recipe

I’ve been making oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks for years, and they’re still a family favorite. My kids love the sweet and tangy flavors, and I appreciate how easy they are to make. This recipe is a staple in our household, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions like holidays and game days.

The best part? It’s incredibly healthy, with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the vegetables, and no added sugars. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite toppings or sides.

I like to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. My kids are always happy to help with the prep work, too – they love washing the veggies and mixing the sauce. We’ve even made it for potlucks and gatherings, where it’s always a hit.

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is – you can adjust the level of heat in the sauce to suit your family’s tastes, and add in any extras you like (like diced onions or bell peppers). The first time I made this recipe, I was blown away by how tender and juicy the chicken turned out. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser.

And did I mention how easy it is to make? Simply toss some chicken drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them in the oven until they’re cooked through. While they’re cooking, whip up a batch of BBQ sauce (I use a simple mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices) and brush it on the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serve hot with your favorite sides – my kids love it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

4.6 from 1867 votes

Juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a smoky barbecue sauce and baked until tender. This easy recipe delivers a sticky, caramelized glaze with minimal effort.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lbs)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the BBQ Glaze

1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
4Add the drumsticks and toss until evenly coated with the spice mixture.
5Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
6Bake for 25 minutes, or until the skin is golden and starting to crisp.
7While the chicken bakes, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
Set aside.
8After 25 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
9Brush each drumstick generously with the BBQ glaze, turning to coat all sides.
10Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
11The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the meat.
12Remove from the oven and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes.
13Serve hot with extra BBQ sauce on the side if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Small bowl
Pastry brush
Instant-read thermometer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 130mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispiness, broil the drumsticks on high for the last 2 minutes. You can substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different flavor. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Works

This oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick and easy meal for your family. The best part?

It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as is or customize it with your favorite toppings or sides. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

And if you have any leftovers (which is rare!) , you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for later.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Q: What is oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?

Oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that combines the rich flavors of BBQ sauce with the tender texture of roasted chicken.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of drumsticks?

While you can use boneless chicken breasts if you prefer, I highly recommend using drumsticks for this recipe – they’re easier to coat with the BBQ sauce and stay moist during cooking.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into one of the drumsticks – it should read at least 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can cut into one of the drumsticks to ensure it’s cooked all the way through.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the BBQ sauce and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance – just be sure to refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftover oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

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