Get ready to enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make meal with these baked BBQ chicken drumsticks. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these drumsticks are sure to be a hit with everyone. The combination of tender chicken and flavorful BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving more.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but if you don't have BBQ sauce at home, you might need to pick some up at the supermarket. Look for a sauce that suits your taste, whether it's sweet, smoky, or spicy. Additionally, make sure you have olive oil on hand, as it helps to coat the chicken and ensure even cooking.

Ingredients For Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Chicken drumsticks: The main protein for this dish, providing a juicy and tender base for the BBQ flavors.
BBQ sauce: Adds a rich, tangy, and sweet flavor to the chicken, creating a delicious glaze.
Olive oil: Helps to coat the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and stays moist.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the BBQ sauce.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your chicken drumsticks are evenly cooked and have a crispy exterior, consider using a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the drumsticks, promoting even cooking and preventing the bottom from becoming soggy. Additionally, for a deeper flavor, marinate the drumsticks in the bbq sauce for a few hours or overnight before baking. This will infuse the chicken with more of that delicious bbq flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
chicken drumsticks - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a good alternative for drumsticks.
bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that can complement the chicken well, though it will give a different taste profile.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for baking.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, which can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor but is slightly milder and less pungent.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the chicken drumsticks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
- Place the cooled drumsticks in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- For freezing, wrap each drumstick individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat thawed drumsticks in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Brush with additional bbq sauce if desired for extra flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Reheating Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the drumsticks with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
- For a crispier skin, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
Microwave Reheating Method:
- Place the drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep the moisture in.
- Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If needed, continue to heat in 30-second intervals until the chicken is hot.
Stovetop Reheating Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Place the chicken drumsticks in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Add a splash of water or extra bbq sauce if the chicken starts to dry out.
Air Fryer Reheating Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Check for desired crispiness and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the chicken drumsticks at the specified temperature.
Baking sheet: A flat surface to place the drumsticks on for baking.
Parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet to prevent the chicken from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: Used to toss the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Basting brush: For brushing the drumsticks with BBQ sauce.
Tongs: Handy for turning the drumsticks and handling them without burning yourself.
Measuring cup: To measure out the BBQ sauce accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Cooling rack: To let the drumsticks rest after baking, allowing the juices to redistribute.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the chicken drumsticks to save time.
Use a marinade bag: Toss the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a resealable bag for easy and even coating.
Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to line your baking sheet for quick cleanup.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through without overbaking by using a meat thermometer.
Rest the chicken: Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy and flavorful.

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken Drumsticks
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush them generously with BBQ sauce.
- Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is caramelized.
- Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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