I’m so excited to share my BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks recipe with you! These drumsticks bake up juicy, sticky, and full of tangy barbecue flavor. They are easy to make in the oven and give you the same sweet and smoky taste you want without firing up a grill.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: about 3 servings (adjust quantities as needed)
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
I love recipes that are simple but satisfying, and these BBQ baked drumsticks are exactly that. You toss the chicken in a spiced oil mixture, roast it until nearly done, then brush on barbecue sauce and finish under the broiler so the sauce becomes glossy and slightly charred. It takes just a little time and the oven does most of the work.
This dish works well for weeknight dinners, casual weekend meals, or anytime you want comfort food without fuss. You can use your favorite store bought barbecue sauce or one you make at home.
How to Make BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks
This method builds flavor in three stages: season, bake, and glaze. First you coat the drumsticks in oil and spices so they are seasoned all over. Then you roast them until they are almost cooked through. Next you brush them generously with barbecue sauce and continue baking so the sauce cooks into the skin. Finally you broil briefly so the sauce caramelizes and becomes sticky.
• Seasoned drumsticks for a savory base
• Oven bake to cook chicken gently and keep it juicy
• Barbecue glaze applied and cooked until glossy
• Quick broil to add caramelization and a little char
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken drumsticks
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce such as Sweet Baby Ray’s, or more to taste
Directions
- Preheat and prepare:
o Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F 200 degrees C.
o Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. - Season the chicken:
o In a large bowl combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
o Add the drumsticks and toss well so each piece is coated with the oil and spice mix.
o Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between them. - Initial bake:
o Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This cooks the chicken most of the way and helps the skin begin to crisp. - First sauce brush:
o Remove the pan from the oven and brush the top of each drumstick with barbecue sauce.
o Return to the oven and bake 7 to 8 minutes. - Flip and brush again:
o Flip each drumstick, brush the other side with more barbecue sauce, and bake an additional 7 to 8 minutes. - Broil to finish:
o Move a rack so it is about 6 inches from the broiler heat. Turn the oven broiler on.
o Brush the drumsticks with even more barbecue sauce. Broil 3 to 4 minutes, watching closely so the sauce does not burn.
o Flip the drumsticks, brush again, and broil 3 to 4 more minutes until the meat is no longer pink near the bone and the juices run clear. An instant read thermometer should read 165 degrees F 74 degrees C when inserted near the bone. - Rest and serve:
o Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes so the juices settle. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce if you like.
Process Details
• Why oil first: The oil carries the spices and helps the skin brown. It also keeps the drumsticks from drying out while they roast.
• Why bake before saucing: If you brush sauce on too early it can burn. Baking first cooks the chicken, then the sauce goes on to glaze and flavor the outside.
• Why broil at the end: Broiling gives quick high heat that caramelizes the sugars in the barbecue sauce and creates the glossy, slightly charred finish we enjoy. Watch closely because it can go from perfect to burnt fast.
Tips for Success
• Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels before seasoning so the coating sticks better.
• Use a thermometer to check for doneness. Insert near the bone and look for 165 degrees F 74 degrees C.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
• To get extra crispy skin, you can spray or lightly brush the drumsticks with a little extra oil before the first bake.
• If you like a thicker glaze, simmer the barbecue sauce for a few minutes on the stove to reduce it before brushing.
• Keep a close eye when broiling. Broilers are powerful and can burn the sauce quickly.
Serving Ideas
• Serve with coleslaw and corn on the cob for a picnic style meal.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier plate.
• Add a simple green salad and warm rolls to round out the meal.
• Offer extra barbecue sauce, pickles, and sliced red onion on the side for people to customize.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350 degrees F oven until warmed through so the skin stays better textured.
• Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 725
• Total Fat: 39 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Sodium: 2236 mg
• Note: Nutrition will vary by brand of barbecue sauce and exact portion sizes.
My BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks are a straightforward way to get juicy, saucy, and slightly charred chicken without a grill. The steps are clear and easy to follow. I hope you enjoy making this at home and sharing it with family or friends. Once you try this technique you will see how simple it is to get great barbecue flavor from your oven.