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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-make chicken dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. The drumsticks are seasoned with a blend of smoky and spicy spices, baked until juicy, and then coated with tangy BBQ sauce for a delicious caramelized finish.

Ingredients

Chicken Drumsticks

  • 8 fresh chicken drumsticks

Spice Rub

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the spice rub adheres well and the skin crisps up during baking.
  3. Mix Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful rub.
  4. Season Chicken: Rub the prepared spice mixture evenly over all the chicken drumsticks, then arrange them on the foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Initial Bake: Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are almost fully cooked through.
  6. Apply BBQ Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and generously brush each drumstick with the BBQ sauce, coating them thoroughly.
  7. Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ (74℃) and the BBQ sauce caramelizes, forming a sticky glaze.
  8. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest at room temperature for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving warm and enjoying.

Notes

  • To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165℉ internally.
  • You can substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite brand or homemade version for personalized flavor.
  • For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.