Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks about 6–8 drumsticks
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¾ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.
- Season: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over all sides of the drumsticks.
- First bake: Arrange on the prepared baking sheet without overcrowding. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Flip and sauce: Remove from the oven, flip the drumsticks, then brush generously with BBQ sauce.
- Second bake: Return to the oven and bake for another 5–10 minutes. The internal temperature should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C), but for optimal tenderness, bake until they reach about 170°F (77°C).
- Optional Broil: Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the BBQ sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Broiler safety: If you plan to broil at the end, use a metal rimmed baking sheet. Do not place glass baking dishes under the broiler, as they can shatter under high heat.
Internal temperature: Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C), but drumsticks are most tender when baked to about 170–175°F (77–79°C).
Storage: Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in shorter intervals to avoid drying out. These drumsticks can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
