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Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks - Easy Baked BBQ Drumsticks Recipe

This easy sheet pan recipe delivers perfectly juicy oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks with a sticky sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort, these drumsticks emerge with crispy skin and succulent meat that falls right off the bone.
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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 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the drumsticks and rub it in thoroughly.
  4. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking. Bake for 25 minutes.
  5. While the chicken bakes, prepare the BBQ glaze by combining BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  6. After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the BBQ glaze. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  7. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, place drumsticks on a wire rack over the baking sheet. Customize flavor by adding chili powder or cayenne pepper. Can be made ahead by seasoning drumsticks up to 24 hours in advance. Add vegetables to the same baking sheet during last 20 minutes for a complete meal.