Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a tasty dish that everyone loves! They are juicy, tender, and covered in sticky barbecue sauce that makes your mouth water.
You won’t believe how easy they are to make! Just season, bake, and brush on the sauce. I often make these for game days or family dinners, and they’re always a hit! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Drumsticks: This cut is perfect as it holds moisture well. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since smaller pieces cook faster.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand, or even homemade if you have a recipe. For a spicy kick, try adding hot sauce to the mix or substitute with teriyaki sauce for a twist.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the spices stick to the chicken. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or melted butter for a different taste.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice depth. You can replace it with regular paprika or cayenne for some heat. Garlic and onion powders are staples here, but fresh minced garlic and shallots also work well.
How Do I Get My Drumsticks Crispy and Flavorful?
To achieve that crispy skin and tasty flavor, seasoning and baking methods are key.
- Start with dry drumsticks. Pat them dry with a paper towel for better crisping.
- Preheat the oven fully before adding the chicken. This helps with cooking and browning.
- Make sure to space out the drumsticks on the baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around them.
- Brush on BBQ sauce near the end of cooking. This avoids burning the sauce and keeps it sticky!
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 40 minutes to bake, totaling around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick family dinner or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the drumsticks cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup later.
2. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices will add lots of flavor to your chicken! Toss the chicken drumsticks in this seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated. Make sure every piece gets a good seasoning!
3. Arrange the Drumsticks:
Place the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Try not to crowd them, as this can prevent them from getting crispy. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes.
4. Add the BBQ Sauce:
After the first 25 minutes, take the tray out of the oven. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce over each drumstick, making sure they are all covered with that tasty glaze.
5. Bake Again:
Put the chicken back in the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. If you like, you can baste the drumsticks with more BBQ sauce halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the sauce is all caramelized and slightly charred.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle for extra juicy chicken. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh touch.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful baked BBQ chicken drumsticks! They’re sure to be a hit! 🍗
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While drumsticks are great for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs or wings. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as smaller pieces will cook faster than larger ones.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes! To add some heat, consider incorporating cayenne pepper into the spice mix or using a spicy barbecue sauce. You can also add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to your marinade for an extra kick.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain their crispiness!
Can I Cook These on the Grill Instead?
Definitely! You can grill these drumsticks over medium heat. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally and brushing with BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes for a delicious charred flavor. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).