Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or fun gatherings. With a crispy exterior and juicy interior, they showcase bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This easy recipe ensures you can whip up this delicious dish with minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals or casual get-togethers.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken
• For Garnish
• How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 3: Make the Spice Rub
• Step 4: Season the Drumsticks
• Step 5: Bake the Chicken
• Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce
• Step 7: Finish Baking
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Casual Family Dinner
• Game Day Snacks
• Picnic Treats
• How to Perfect Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Best Side Dishes for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Reheating Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How long do I bake oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?
• Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
• What should I serve with oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?
• How do I know when my oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are done?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Juicy: The oven baking method gives you beautifully crispy skin while keeping the chicken moist and tender inside.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a flavorful meal ready in no time.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to adjust the spice rub or BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, these drumsticks fit right in.
• Kid-Friendly Dish: The sweet and tangy flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make these oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Paper towels
• Brush for BBQ sauce

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking your drumsticks, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to easily combine ingredients for the spice rub.
• Brush for BBQ sauce: Helps apply the sauce evenly, promoting caramelization without excess mess.

Ingredients

These oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, bursting with bold, smoky flavor. Coated in a savory spice rub and slathered in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, they roast to tender perfection with minimal effort—making them perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

For the Chicken

• 8 fresh chicken drumsticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra-virgin recommended)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400℉. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve crispy skin.

Step 3: Make the Spice Rub

In a small bowl, mix together:
1. Olive oil
2. Garlic powder
3. Onion powder
4. Smoked paprika
5. Chili powder
6. Kosher salt
7. Black pepper

Step 4: Season the Drumsticks

Rub the oil and spice mixture evenly over all the drumsticks until well coated.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 25–30 minutes until nearly cooked through.

Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce

Remove from the oven and generously brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce using your brush.

Step 7: Finish Baking

Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ and the BBQ sauce is caramelized.

Step 8: Serve

Let rest for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks!

How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Serving oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks is easy and enjoyable. These flavorful drumsticks can be presented in various ways to enhance your meal experience.

Casual Family Dinner

• Serve with Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the smoky flavors.
• Pair with Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the BBQ taste beautifully, making it a perfect side.
• Offer Dipping Sauces: Provide additional BBQ sauces or ranch for guests who love extra flavor.

Game Day Snacks

• Create a Drumstick Platter: Arrange the drumsticks on a large platter for easy access during gatherings.
• Add Veggie Sticks: Carrot and celery sticks provide a fresh contrast to the rich chicken.
• Serve with Chips: A side of tortilla chips can add some crunch to the party atmosphere.

Picnic Treats

• Wrap in Foil for Easy Transport: These drumsticks are perfect for picnics; wrap them in foil so they stay warm and flavorful.
• Include Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing balance to the savory chicken.

How to Perfect Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

To ensure your oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Pat Dry: Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This ensures the skin gets crispy during baking.
• Boldly Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and quality BBQ sauce will enhance the flavor significantly. Avoid old or stale spices.
• Boldly Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking. The ideal internal temperature is 165℉.
• Boldly Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing the drumsticks to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain their juices, ensuring each bite is tender.

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Best Side Dishes for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks pair well with a variety of sides that complement their bold flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Bold Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side dish.
2. Bold Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Bold Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy favorite is loved by all ages and pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
4. Bold Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans elevate the meal with their hearty texture.
5. Bold Potato Salad: A classic potato salad can provide a creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
6. Bold Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan and croutons offers a refreshing crunch alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks to the next level.

• Not drying the chicken: Failing to pat the drumsticks dry can lead to a less crispy skin. Always use paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
• Skipping the spice rub: Neglecting to apply a spice rub means missing out on flavor. Always coat the chicken evenly with the spice mixture for maximum taste.
• Using low-quality BBQ sauce: A subpar sauce can ruin your dish. Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce that complements the spices for better results.
• Crowding the baking sheet: Placing too many drumsticks too close together can cause steaming instead of roasting. Arrange them with space in between for even cooking.
• Not checking internal temperature: Skipping the temperature check may result in undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165℉ for safe consumption.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked drumsticks in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• Wrap each drumstick tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉, place drumsticks on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warm, about 1-2 minutes per drumstick.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I bake oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?

Baking takes approximately 25–30 minutes at 400℉, followed by an additional 10–15 minutes after adding BBQ sauce.

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?

Yes, you can use frozen drumsticks, but make sure they are fully thawed before seasoning and baking for best results.

What should I serve with oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?

These delicious drumsticks pair well with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I know when my oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are done?

Check that the internal temperature reaches 165℉ using a meat thermometer to ensure they are safe to eat.

Final Thoughts

These oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are not only easy to prepare but also offer incredible flavor and versatility. You can customize them by experimenting with different spices or barbecue sauces. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these juicy drumsticks are sure to please everyone at the table!