Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a delight for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, these drumsticks are sure to impress. Their crispy exterior and juicy interior, combined with a smoky flavor from the spice rub and sweet tang from the BBQ sauce, make them stand out. Plus, they require minimal effort, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal with family and friends.

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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
• How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
• Step 3: Dry the Chicken Drumsticks
• Step 4: Create the Spice Mixture
• Step 5: Season the Drumsticks
• Step 6: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
• Step 7: Bake Until Nearly Cooked
• Step 8: Apply BBQ Sauce
• Step 9: Finish Baking
• Step 10: Let Rest Before Serving
• How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Casual Gathering
• Family Dinner
• Game Day Feast
• How to Perfect Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Best Side Dishes for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• 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 for this recipe?
• What can I serve with oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?
• Can I customize the BBQ sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can get these drumsticks ready for baking in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and BBQ sauce creates a deliciously bold flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week.
• Crispy and Juicy: Baking ensures that the outside gets crispy while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
• Easy Cleanup: Lining your baking sheet with aluminum foil makes cleanup a breeze!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Paper towels
• Small mixing bowl
• Basting brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking the drumsticks, ensuring they bake uniformly.
• Aluminum foil: Makes cleanup easy by preventing food from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Basting brush: Helps apply the BBQ sauce evenly over each drumstick for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400℉. This high temperature is key to achieving that crispy skin on your chicken drumsticks.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside. This will help make cleanup easier later on.

Step 3: Dry the Chicken Drumsticks

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.

Step 4: Create the Spice Mixture

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 5: Season the Drumsticks

Rub the oil and spice mixture evenly over all of the chicken drumsticks, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 6: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the seasoned drumsticks on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 7: Bake Until Nearly Cooked

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until chicken is nearly cooked through.

Step 8: Apply BBQ Sauce

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

Step 9: Finish Baking

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

Step 10: Let Rest Before Serving

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

How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are perfect for any occasion. They can be served in various ways to enhance your meal and impress your guests.

Casual Gathering

• Serve with Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor of the drumsticks.
• Add Cornbread – Soft, sweet cornbread is a great way to soak up the BBQ sauce.

Family Dinner

• Pair with Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that complements the chicken.
• Include Steamed Vegetables – Bright, colorful steamed veggies add nutrition and balance to the meal.

Game Day Feast

• Offer Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are a fun finger food that everyone loves.
• Set Up a Dipping Station – Include extra BBQ sauce and ranch dressing for dipping.

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How to Perfect Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

To get the best results from your oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks, follow these simple tips.

• Pat Dry – Always pat the chicken drumsticks dry before seasoning. This helps achieve that perfect crispy skin.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Opt for fresh spices and quality BBQ sauce to elevate the flavor profile.
• Check Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ for safety.
• Rest Before Serving – Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Serving sides alongside your oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks can make for a complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – A buttery garlic bread adds richness and is great for soaking up leftover sauce.
2. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese brings comfort and pairs well with BBQ flavors.
3. Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans add a traditional touch to any BBQ meal.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Freshly grilled corn adds sweetness and texture that complements the chicken.
5. Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich drumsticks.
6. Potato Salad – A classic potato salad can be made creamy or vinegar-based for added variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Ignoring the drying step: Not patting the chicken dry can result in soggy skin. Always dry the drumsticks with paper towels before seasoning.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many drumsticks close together can lead to uneven cooking. Arrange them with space in between for proper heat circulation.
• Skipping the spice rub: Neglecting to use a spice rub means missing out on flavor. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for the best taste.
• Not checking the temperature: Cooking without checking doneness can leave you with undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165℉.
• Using low-quality BBQ sauce: A poor sauce can ruin your dish. Choose a flavorful BBQ sauce that complements the spices for maximum impact.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• Wrap each drumstick tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• Oven: Preheat to 350℉ and heat drumsticks for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I bake oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?

Bake them at 400℉ for about 25–30 minutes, then brush with BBQ sauce and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until fully cooked.

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe?

Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw them first for even cooking and better seasoning absorption.

What can I serve with oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?

These drumsticks pair well with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.

Can I customize the BBQ sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite store-bought variety or make your own homemade BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

These oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for dinner or gatherings, they allow room for customization based on your taste preferences. Try different spice blends or sauces to make this recipe your own!