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Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Easy Baked BBQ Drumsticks Recipe

These oven BBQ chicken drumsticks deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort using a simple sheet pan method. The recipe creates juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly caramelized barbecue glaze that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 2-3 pounds)
  • 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top. This setup allows air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and crispy skin.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the seasoning stick better and promotes browning. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Rub the olive oil over the drumsticks, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over all sides. Make sure each drumstick is well-coated for maximum flavor.
  4. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 25 minutes to start the cooking process and begin developing a golden color.
  5. While the chicken bakes, prepare the barbecue glaze. In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce with apple cider vinegar and brown sugar (if using). The vinegar adds a nice tang that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
  6. After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the barbecue sauce mixture. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
  7. For extra caramelization, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally. Apply barbecue sauce during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier results.