🍗 BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks (Easy & Delicious)

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Chicken

• 10–12 chicken drumsticks

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• ½ tsp chili powder or cayenne (optional for heat)

For the BBQ Glaze

• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

🔪 Instructions

1. Prep the Oven

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (helps crisp the skin).
  If you don’t have a rack, place chicken directly on the foil.

2. Season the Drumsticks

1. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels (crispier skin!).

2. Place them in a large bowl.

3. Drizzle with olive oil.

4. Sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chili/cayenne.

5. Toss to coat evenly.

3. Bake the Chicken

• Arrange drumsticks in a single layer on the rack/baking sheet.

• Bake for 35 minutes.

4. Add the BBQ Glaze

• While the chicken bakes, mix your glaze:
  BBQ sauce + honey/brown sugar + vinegar + Worcestershire.

• After 35 minutes, brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on the drumsticks.

• Return to oven and bake another 10 minutes.

5. Caramelize the BBQ Sauce

• Brush on a second coat of BBQ sauce.

• Bake 5–10 minutes more, or broil 2–3 minutes for a sticky, caramelized finish.

Total bake time: 50–55 minutes.

🍽 Serve With

• Mashed potatoes

• Corn on the cob

• Coleslaw

• Baked beans

• Mac and cheese

⭐ Tips for Best Results

• Dry the chicken well before seasoning → crispier skin.

• Use smoked paprika for that outdoor-grill flavor.

• Broil at the end to make the BBQ sauce sticky and slightly charred.

• Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).