Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Covered in a sweet and tangy sauce, they come out juicy with layers of BBQ flavor. This simple recipe only requires a few ingredients you can easily grab at the grocery store. It’s a family favorite for delicious barbecue chicken.
Looking for more Chicken Recipes? Try our Chicken Tacos, Shredded BBQ Chicken, Pecan Crusted Chicken, and Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
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This easy dinner with BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is super budget-friendly, thanks to how affordable fresh chicken drumsticks are. You get so much flavor from the tangy BBQ sauce, and it’s all made with simple ingredients you probably already have. The drumsticks come out juicy with crispy skin, and the best part is how little effort it takes. Just brush on the layers of BBQ sauce, pop them in a preheated oven, and you’re set for the best BBQ chicken. Pair with all your favorite sides like potato salad and pasta salad! These drumsticks also go great with this yummy Corn Pudding Recipe.
What you’ll love about this Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe:
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these amazing Baked Chicken Drumsticks:
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Chicken Drumsticks: You can also make this recipe with chicken wings or chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce or make a homemade BBQ sauce recipe for more smoky flavors.
- Spices: Adding a bit of onion powder or garlic powder will give your BBQ drumsticks even more flavor.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED BBQ CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS STEP-BY-STEP:
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 3 Quart baking dish, or rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and salt and pepper the drumsticks and place in pan.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, dry mustard, and garlic salt; stir to combine well.
Step 3: Pour the sauce over the drumsticks, turning them over to coat each piece evenly. Bake for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
Pro Tip:
For the best flavor, let the drumsticks come to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the sauce stick better.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze the drumsticks before baking. Place them in a freezer-safe container with the sauce and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Additions & Substitutions
ADDITIONS:
- Spice it up: Add a bit of liquid smoke or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat and smoky flavors.
- Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers or onions to the baking dish for extra flavor.
- Garlic: Mix in fresh minced garlic or extra garlic powder to intensify the savory notes.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Chicken: You can substitute the drumsticks with chicken wings, thighs, or even chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce like Sweet Baby Ray’s or a homemade BBQ sauce recipe for a personalized touch.
- Sweet Thai-style Chili Sauce: Substitute with regular BBQ sauce for a more classic flavor, or mix Sriracha with honey for a sweet and spicy balance. You can also use hot sauce combined with brown sugar for a similar sweet-heat combo.
FAQs about these Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:
1. Can I cook these in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Cook the drumsticks in the air fryer at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
2. Can I grill these drumsticks instead of baking?
Yes, grilling over high heat for about 20-25 minutes works great for this recipe. Just keep brushing the chicken with sauce while grilling.
3. Can I make this recipe with chicken wings?
Yes, simply follow the same instructions but adjust the cooking time to 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. How can I make the skin more crispy? For crispier skin, you can broil the drumsticks on high for a few minutes after they are baked. Be sure to watch them closely during broiling to prevent burning.
What Can I Serve with this Baked BBQ Chicken?
Serve these Chicken Drumsticks with cornbread, garlic bread, fried potatoes, or mashed potatoes, and coleslaw.
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 Chicken Drumsticks
- Salt & Pepper
- 1/2 cup Sweet Thai Style Chili Sauce
- 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 2 teaspoons Dried Ground Mustard Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Salt
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 3 Quart baking dish with cooking spray and salt and pepper the drumsticks and place in pan.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, dry mustard, and garlic salt; stir to combine well.
- Pour the sauce over the drumsticks, turning them over to coat each piece evenly. Bake for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the the chicken is at least 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
- Optional step: Remove from oven and baste with the cooked sauce, return tooven and BROIL on High for 5 minutes, watching closely. This results in a crispier skin.
Nutrition
Note: Take your BBQ drumsticks up a notch by topping them with fresh green onions, adding a refreshing crunch that balances out the rich BBQ flavors. Sprinkling on some sesame seeds brings a nutty crunch that takes these drumsticks to a whole new level of deliciousness.
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