Name: Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 12 pieces); 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 2 tablespoons onion powder; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 2 cups sugar-free BBQ sauce (or low sugar alternative)

If you’re craving juicy, flavorful chicken with that perfect tangy-sweet kick, you’re going to love this Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s easy, uses simple ingredients, and turns out tender and crispy every single time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a no-fuss weeknight dinner, this recipe has got you covered, and I promise your family will go crazy for it.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of fancy spices—just everyday seasonings you likely already have.
Hands-Off Cooking: Once the drumsticks are seasoned and in the oven, you’ve got free time to relax or prep sides.
Juicy with a Crispy Finish: Baking time and BBQ sauce glazing lock in moisture and create that irresistible sticky exterior.
Family Favorite: This recipe has been a hit at every gathering I’ve brought it to—kids and adults alike ask for seconds.

The image shows a close-up of several cooked chicken drumsticks on a metal rack over a white marbled surface. The chicken drumsticks are covered in a shiny, dark reddish-brown sauce that looks sticky and well-cooked, with some areas appearing slightly charred and crispy. The drumsticks have a textured surface with visible spice rubs and grill marks, giving them a rich, appetizing look. The light highlights the glossy sauce, making the chicken look tender and juicy. The background is blurred but maintains the white marbled texture, keeping the focus on the chicken pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, grilled chicken recipes, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken ideas, juicy baked chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to give the chicken a smoky, spicy flavor with just the right hint of sweetness from the BBQ sauce. Using a sugar-free or low-sugar BBQ sauce keeps it lighter but still tasty, which I appreciate.

Flat lay of raw chicken drumsticks with smooth, pale skin arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant deep red BBQ sauce, a small white bowl filled with fine orange-red smoked paprika powder, another small bowl containing light brown garlic powder, a small white bowl with pale beige onion powder, a small bowl of rich reddish-brown chili powder, a small bowl holding pale tan ground ginger, a small white bowl with coarse white salt crystals, a small bowl with whole black peppercorns, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, grilled chicken recipes, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken ideas, juicy baked chicken

Chicken drumsticks: I love using drumsticks because they stay juicy and are super budget-friendly.
Garlic powder: Adds a nice savory base without overpowering the chicken.
Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth—if you don’t have onion powder, minced onion works, too.
Chili powder: A mild heat that plays well with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
Smoked paprika: This gives the recipe its smoky vibe without needing a grill.
Ground ginger: A little unexpected but adds a lovely warm note.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Sugar-free BBQ sauce: I usually go for a tangy, low-sugar sauce to balance the spices without too much sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is so flexible—there are lots of ways to make it your own depending on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.

Try chicken thighs or breasts: If you’re not a drumstick fan, I switched to thighs once and still got juicy, flavorful results.
Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the seasoning mix for extra heat—my friends who love spice swear by this.
Sweet glaze adjustment: Swap the BBQ sauce for a honey mustard or a maple BBQ sauce for a different flavor twist.
Herb addition: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprinkled on before baking adds an earthy aroma that’s beautiful with BBQ flavors.

How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken with the Perfect Spice Blend

Start by tossing the drumsticks into a big mixing bowl and sprinkling the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt, and pepper over them. Then, dive in with your hands and rub that seasoning all over each drumstick until they’re evenly coated. I always find getting my hands involved helps the flavors really stick—and it’s oddly satisfying!

Step 2: Let the Flavors Marinate

Pop the seasoned drumsticks into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let those spices penetrate the meat. I’ve left them overnight when life got busy, and honestly, it makes for an even tastier bite.

Step 3: Prep Oven and Arrange for Even Cooking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 400°F if you want them a bit crispier). Line a roasting tin with foil for easy cleanup, then set a wire rack inside if you have one—that airflow around the drumsticks helps the skin get nice and crispy. Place the drumsticks spaced apart so they’re not crowded.

Step 4: Bake and Flip

Bake the drumsticks in the middle of your oven for 40-50 minutes, flipping them halfway through. I usually set a timer at 20 minutes to remind myself. You’re looking for the skin to be golden and crisp, and the meat cooked through (an internal temp of 165°F is perfect!). If you’re unsure, poking near the bone and checking the juices run clear works too.

Step 5: Glaze with BBQ Sauce and Finish Baking

Once those drumsticks are cooked through, pull them out and brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce on each one. Pop them back into the oven for 10-15 minutes, then flip and repeat the sauce coating and bake again. This double glazing gives that sticky, caramelized finish that makes BBQ chicken irresistible.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Get those drumsticks straight from the oven to the table while they’re still juicy and saucy. Trust me, no one wants cold BBQ chicken!

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Pro Tips for Making Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Pat Dry for Crispy Skin: Before seasoning, pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels so the skin crisps up better in the oven.
Use a Wire Rack: Elevate the chicken on a rack inside your pan to allow hot air to circulate and avoid soggy bottoms.
Double Glaze for Maximum Flavor: Applying BBQ sauce twice near the end of baking creates that finger-licking sticky coating I love.
Check Internal Temp: Using a meat thermometer is a foolproof way to avoid drying out the chicken or undercooking—aim for 165°F.

How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Thinly sliced green onions are also a favorite of mine—they add just the right bite and crunch that balance all the saucy goodness.

Side Dishes

This Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe pairs beautifully with classic coleslaw, roasted corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. When I’m feeling indulgent, I love oven-roasted potatoes tossed in garlic and herbs alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to arrange the drumsticks on a big platter lined with lettuce leaves, then add mini ramekins of extra BBQ sauce and pickles for dipping. It turns the dish into a fun “build-your-own” style finger food spread that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay delicious for up to 5 days. When I reheat them, I just pop them in the microwave for a minute or two, then finish briefly under the broiler to bring back the crispiness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked drumsticks wrapped tightly in foil and placed in ziplock bags for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep them juicy and crispy.

Reheating

To reheat, I preheat the oven to 375°F, place the drumsticks on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and skin is crisp again. This approach keeps the texture much better than microwaving alone.

FAQs

Can I use this recipe for chicken wings instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken wings will cook faster, so reduce baking time accordingly—start checking for doneness around 25-30 minutes. The seasoning and BBQ sauce work just as well on wings.
How do I make sure my chicken stays juicy and doesn’t dry out?

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking, and use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken out once it hits 165°F. Also, the BBQ sauce glaze helps lock in moisture while adding flavor.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can season and refrigerate the drumsticks up to 24 hours before baking. This actually enhances the flavor, so I often prepare them the night before.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover BBQ chicken drumsticks?

Reheat in the oven at 375°F on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the skin crisps up again. This keeps the texture better than microwaving alone.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe hits all the right notes—it’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and makes everyone around the table happy. When I first tried this method, I was blown away by how tender and saucy the drumsticks turned out without any complicated steps. Now, it’s a go-to recipe I recommend to friends all the time. Give it a try and see for yourself how easy it is to make a BBQ dinner that tastes like it’s from your favorite backyard cookout.