baked bbq drumsticks recipe

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

I am so excited to share this baked BBQ drumsticks recipe with you all. This is one of my family’s favorite recipes and we make it for every occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a regular Tuesday night.

The story behind this recipe is that it’s a classic Southern-style dish that originated from the BBQ joints in the Deep South. The combination of sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with the tender, juicy chicken drumsticks is absolutely divine.

I love how easy it is to make, too – just toss the drumsticks in the oven and let them bake away while you focus on other things. My kids love helping me prep the ingredients, and they always get so excited when they see the drumsticks come out of the oven all golden brown and delicious.

We like to serve them with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also super healthy – we use organic chicken and minimal amounts of sugar in the BBQ sauce.

Plus, baking instead of frying makes it a much guilt-free option for our family. I’ve been making this recipe for years now, and my kids still beg me to make it every week.

It’s become a staple in our household, and I know it will be in yours too once you try it! I’m so glad I can share this recipe with you all today.

Baked BBQ Drumsticks

Baked BBQ Drumsticks

4.7 from 1306 votes

These baked BBQ drumsticks are a simple and delicious weeknight meal. The chicken is coated in a smoky sweet barbecue sauce and baked until tender and caramelized.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Drumsticks

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3In a large bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4Toss to coat the drumsticks evenly.
5Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6Bake for 25 minutes, until the skin is starting to crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7While the chicken bakes, prepare the BBQ sauce.
8In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
9Stir and bring to a simmer, then cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
10Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush each drumstick generously with the prepared BBQ sauce.
11Return the sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
12For extra glaze, brush another layer of sauce onto the drumsticks after removing them from the oven.
13Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Pastry brush
Small saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 22g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 18g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a spicier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce. You can also use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce to save time.

Watch Video Of How Baked BBQ Drumsticks Works

This baked BBQ drumsticks recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a regular Tuesday night dinner.

The best part is that you can easily make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

When reheating leftovers, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Baked BBQ Drumsticks

Q1: What type of chicken drumsticks should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using organic or free-range chicken drumsticks for this recipe, as they tend to be more flavorful and tender than conventional chicken. You can also use bone-in or boneless drumsticks – both work great!

Q2: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe in advance! Simply prepare the drumsticks up to a day in advance, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them.

Q3: Do I need to marinate the drumsticks before baking?

Nope! While marinating can add extra flavor to your drumsticks, it’s not necessary for this recipe. Just toss them with some olive oil and your favorite seasonings before baking.

Q4: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making my own?

Of course! If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler approach, feel free to use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce instead of making your own from scratch.

Q5: How do I reheat leftover baked BBQ drumsticks?

To reheat leftover baked BBQ drumsticks, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave – just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.

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