These Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a delightful treat that everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these drumsticks combine crispy skin with juicy meat, all infused with a smoky, savory flavor. With minimal effort, you can serve a dish that satisfies both young and old alike.
Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks bring a variety of benefits to your dinner table.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Flavorful Experience: The combination of spices and barbecue sauce creates a bold flavor that’s sure to impress your family and guests.
- Versatile Dish: These chicken drumsticks work well for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, picnic, or game day feast.
- Healthier Option: Baking instead of frying reduces fat while still delivering crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Budget-Friendly: Chicken drumsticks are affordable and can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides ample space for the chicken to cook evenly without overcrowding.
- Aluminum foil: Makes cleanup easier by preventing sticking and helps retain moisture during cooking.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining your spice rub ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 fresh chicken drumsticks
For the Spice Rub
- 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
For the BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
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 and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps ensure they get crispy during baking.
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, making sure each piece is well-coated.
Step 5: Bake the Drumsticks
Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until nearly cooked through.
Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce
Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ and the BBQ sauce has 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
These oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your meal experience.
Casual Gatherings
- With Coleslaw: A refreshing side that complements the smoky flavor of the drumsticks.
- On a Bun: Create a BBQ chicken sandwich by placing the drumsticks in a soft bun and adding extra sauce.
Family Dinners
- With Rice: Serve over a fluffy bed of rice to soak up the delicious BBQ sauce.
- With Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
Game Day Treats
- As an Appetizer: Cut the drumsticks into smaller pieces for easy snacking during the game.
- With Dipping Sauces: Offer various sauces like ranch or honey mustard for added flavor options.
How to Perfect Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
To make sure your oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks turn out perfect every time, consider these handy tips.
- Bold Spice Rub: Apply a generous amount of spice rub for maximum flavor.
- Pat Dry: Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve crispy skin.
- Even Spacing: Place drumsticks with space between them on the baking sheet to allow even cooking.
- Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165℉.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest after baking; this helps retain juices.
Best Side Dishes for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Pairing your oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and flavorful, these potatoes balance the smokiness of the chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and savory beans complement the BBQ flavors wonderfully.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich drumsticks.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic pairing that’s perfect for summer meals.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a hit and easy to prepare alongside your chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Skipping the Drying Step: Always pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy during baking.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Ensure you apply a generous amount of the spice rub. A well-seasoned drumstick enhances flavor and keeps them juicy.
- Inaccurate Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 400℉ before baking. An incorrect temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked chicken.
- Ignoring Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165℉ for safe consumption.
- Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Arrange drumsticks in a single layer with space between each piece. Crowding can cause uneven cooking and prevent crispiness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap drumsticks tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350℉, place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and cover. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to bake oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?
Bake them at 400℉ for about 25–30 minutes before adding BBQ sauce, then another 10–15 minutes after saucing.
Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce complements the spices beautifully. You can choose your favorite brand or make homemade sauce for an extra touch.
Can I use other parts of the chicken?
Absolutely! Drumsticks are great, but you can also use thighs or wings. Adjust cooking time based on the size of the pieces.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read at least 165℉ when done.
Final Thoughts
These oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, they can be customized with different spices or sauces according to your preference. Give this recipe a try and enjoy deliciously crispy and juicy chicken!
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 drumsticks per serving) 1x
Description
Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a crowd-pleasing delight, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. With their irresistible crispy skin and juicy meat, these drumsticks are infused with a smoky BBQ flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Best of all, this simple recipe requires minimal effort and can be ready in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a weeknight meal, these drumsticks are sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉ and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the spice rub.
- Rub the spice mixture evenly over all the drumsticks.
- Arrange the drumsticks on the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until nearly cooked through.
- Brush each drumstick generously with BBQ sauce and return them to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until caramelized and cooked to an internal temperature of 165℉.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick (75g)
- Calories: 197
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
Leave a Comment