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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ chicken drumsticks on platter.
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5 from 1 review

If you're not big on grilling, but still want the BBQ chicken, this recipe for Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is for you. Tender chicken with crispy skin and sticky bbq sauce makes them look like they came out the smoker. They're incredible, so easy to make, and ready to eat in an hour.

Ingredients

  • 10 chicken drumsticks (about 2.5-3 lbs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup thick bbq sauce (not vinegar based)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Optional: 2 teaspoons fresh chives, cilantro or parsley, minced (I used chives)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cover the inside of a cookie sheet with foil, then top with a wire rack. Remove the drumsticks from the package and place onto a cookie sheet and pat dry really well with paper towels on both sides. Transfer the drumsticks to the wire rack and spread out as much as you can.
  2. Brush the drumsticks with olive oil. Mix together the spices and rub them over the entire surface of each drumstick. Bake for 20 minutes.
  3. Remove from the oven and flip each drumstick. Return to the oven for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the drumsticks from the oven again and flip back over. Brush with bbq sauce to cover the entire surface. I like to go heavier on the top half of the drumstick that isn't touching the wire rack. Return to the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees (should be between 10-15 minutes) *mine took 50 minutes total.
  5. Tent with foil for about 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy! Optional: Top with a garnish of parsley, chives, or cilantro to add a little color. 

Equipment

Notes

  • Pat dry the skin with paper towels really well before brushing on olive oil.
  • Don't wait until after baking to add the bbq sauce. You want it on and in the oven for about 10-15 minutes for the best textures.
  • Rely on temperature over time when cooking chicken. The internal temperature needs to reach 165 degrees before removing from the oven. Smaller drumsticks will cook faster than the larger ones.

Find it online: https://simplymadeeats.com/21343/bbq-chicken-drumsticks/