Baked barbecue drumsticks are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with the convenience of oven baking. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, these drumsticks are coated in a savory and slightly sweet barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a sticky, flavorful glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Pair these drumsticks with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Drumsticks:
- Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up in the oven.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake the Drumsticks:
- Place the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Add the Barbecue Sauce:
- Remove the drumsticks from the oven. Brush them generously with barbecue sauce, then return to the oven for another 20 minutes.
- Caramelize the Sauce:
- After 20 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the barbecue sauce is caramelized and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve:
- Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked barbecue drumsticks with your favorite sides!
These baked barbecue drumsticks are sure to be a hit at any meal. Adjust the level of seasoning and sauce to suit your taste preferences, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavor of homemade barbecue chicken!
