Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
A crowd-pleasing weeknight favorite that comes together with a simple dry rub and a sticky, glossy BBQ glaze. These oven-baked drumsticks stay tender on the inside, with a caramelized crust on the outside. Great for busy days, family dinners, or casual gatherings, and versatile enough to tailor with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks, skin on
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Dry meat browns more evenly and adheres better to the seasoning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the drumsticks with the oil-and-spice mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared sheet in a single layer, giving each piece some space for air to circulate. This helps them crisp while baking.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then brush or drizzle with half of the BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Flip the drumsticks, baste with the remaining BBQ sauce, and bake for an additional 5–8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is glossy and sticky.
- If you like extra glaze, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, and pair with simple sides like corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a green salad.