bbq chicken drumsticks in oven recipe

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

I’m so excited to share this recipe for BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Whether we’re having a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, these drumsticks are always a hit. And the best part?

They’re incredibly easy to make. Just toss the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce, pop them in the oven, and let the magic happen. The result is tender, juicy chicken that’s slathered in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce that’s just irresistible. I like to serve these drumsticks with some crispy coleslaw and baked beans on the side, but you can customize the sides to your heart’s content.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for a special occasion. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – by cooking at home with minimal ingredients, we can avoid all the added preservatives and sugars that come with store-bought sauces. This recipe is also incredibly versatile – you can adjust the level of heat in your BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences, and add in some extra spices or herbs if you like. I’ve also found that this recipe works beautifully for meal prep – simply cook the drumsticks ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and reheat as needed.

This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish even when you’re short on time or energy. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! The history of BBQ chicken drumsticks is fascinating – did you know that this dish originated in the Southern United States, where pit-cooking was a staple of many farms and communities? The slow-cooked flavors and tender meat were an instant hit among locals and visitors alike.

Today, we can enjoy this classic dish in our own kitchens with minimal fuss and effort. But what makes these drumsticks truly special is the combination of textures and flavors on offer – crunchy skin gives way to juicy meat, which is then smothered in a rich, velvety BBQ sauce that coats every bite with flavor. When it comes to cooking techniques, one of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s surprisingly easy to achieve perfectly cooked drumsticks without any fuss or mess.

Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

4.6 from 1460 votes

These oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are juicy, tender, and coated in a smoky-sweet glaze. They are easy to prepare with a simple spice rub and your favorite barbecue sauce.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze

1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and place a wire rack on top if you have one.
3The rack allows hot air to circulate around the drumsticks for even cooking and crispier skin.
4Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
5In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
6Drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil and rub the spice mixture all over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
7Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
8Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the sheet from the oven.
9The chicken should be lightly browned and the skin beginning to crisp.
10In a small bowl, whisk together the barbecue sauce, honey or brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
11Brush the sauce generously over each drumstick, coating all sides.
12Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
13Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
14This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
15Serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Wire rack (optional)
Small bowl
Pastry brush

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the barbecue sauce mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the dry rub. Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Works

One thing I love about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different occasions – whether we’re having a casual family dinner or a special occasion like Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve dinner. And because these drumsticks are so versatile and easy to make ahead of time, they’re perfect for meal prep or potlucks at work.

When storing leftover drumsticks, make sure they’re cooled completely before refrigerating or freezing them – this will help prevent bacterial growth and keep them fresh for longer. When reheating leftover drumsticks, try tossing them with some extra BBQ sauce before serving – it adds an extra layer of flavor that’s just irresistible.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

No way! While store-bought sauces are convenient, they often contain preservatives and added sugars that can make this dish less healthy than it needs to be. Plus, by making your own BBQ sauce from scratch, you can customize it to your taste preferences and avoid any unwanted ingredients.

Q: What type of chicken should I use?

For this recipe, I recommend using bone-in chicken drumsticks – they’ll retain more moisture and flavor during cooking than boneless ones will.

Q: Can I make these drumsticks ahead of time?

Absolutely! Simply cook the drumsticks as directed, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: How do I ensure my drumsticks stay juicy?

The key is to not overcook them! Make sure to check on them regularly during cooking to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I adjust the level of heat in my BBQ sauce?

Of course! If you prefer milder flavors or want to add an extra kick of heat, simply adjust the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

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