Get ready to fall in love with the easiest, most delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks you’ll ever make! Forget the grill—these beauties are baked to perfection in the oven, resulting in incredibly juicy, tender meat and a caramelized, sticky-sweet glaze that’s simply irresistible. My family goes wild for these, and I guarantee yours will too. Whether you’re using my signature homemade BBQ sauce or your favorite store-bought version, this recipe is a weeknight dinner game-changer.
Ingredients
• 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg chicken drumsticks, about 10 to 12
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup / 240 ml BBQ sauce, divided
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F / 200°C. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season and Sauce the Chicken: Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt. Brush both sides of the chicken evenly with ½ cup / 120 ml of the BBQ sauce.
3. Bake and Baste: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the pan, flip each drumstick over, and brush them with the remaining ½ cup / 120 ml of BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
4. Get that Perfect Char: For an extra crispy, caramelized finish, switch the oven to the broil setting. Broil the drumsticks for 1-3 minutes, watching them carefully to prevent the sauce from burning. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
• Serving: 1 drumstick | Calories: 210kcal | Protein: 25g | Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 5g
Pro Tips
• for Perfect BBQ Drumsticks
• Pat It Dry: For the crispiest skin, pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
• Don’t Guess, Temp It: The most reliable way to check for doneness is with an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C in the thickest part of the drumstick.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re delicious cold or reheated gently in the oven.
FAQ
Q: How long do you bake BBQ chicken drumsticks at 400 degrees
A: At 400°F (200°C), you should bake the BBQ chicken drumsticks for a total of 60 minutes. Bake for 30 minutes, then flip, baste with more sauce, and bake for another 30 minutes until cooked through.
Q: How do you get crispy skin on baked chicken drumsticks
A: For the crispiest skin, make sure to pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with a paper towel before adding any seasoning or sauce. For an extra caramelized, crispy finish, you can broil them for 1-3 minutes after baking.
Q: What internal temperature should chicken drumsticks be
A: Chicken drumsticks are fully cooked and safe to eat when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat to check for doneness.
Q: How do I store leftover BBQ chicken drumsticks
A: Store any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 4 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
