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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

These Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner option. Coated in a smoky, spicy dry rub and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce, the drumsticks are oven-baked to juicy perfection with a caramelized glaze. Perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gatherings, this recipe yields tender and savory chicken with minimal fuss and maximum taste.

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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup easier. Set it aside for later use.
  2. Dry the chicken: Use paper towels to pat the chicken drumsticks dry. Removing excess moisture helps the spice rub adhere better and promotes crisping during baking.
  3. Mix the spice rub: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well blended.
  4. Coat the chicken: Rub the spice mixture thoroughly all over each chicken drumstick, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place them spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Initial bake: Bake the drumsticks for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked through but not completely done.
  6. Apply BBQ sauce: Remove the tray from the oven and generously brush each drumstick with the BBQ sauce, covering all sides to create a flavorful glaze.
  7. Final bake: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ (74℃) and the BBQ sauce has caramelized nicely.
  8. Rest and serve: Let the drumsticks rest at room temperature for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks!

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165℉ internally.
  • If you want extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Feel free to customize your BBQ sauce with additional spices or a smoky chipotle flavor for more depth.
  • Leftover drumsticks refrigerate well for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.