Some nights you just need a dinner that doesn't make you break a sweat, right? That's where Baked Chicken Drumsticks come in! They're budget-friendly, need hardly any fussing over, and the oven does all the heavy lifting.
While the drumsticks get crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, you've got time to toss together a salad, help with homework, or maybe even sneak in a glass of wine (I won't tell)😉.
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What makes this recipe irresistible
These baked drumsticks hit the sweet spot of easy and delicious. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays tender and flavorful. No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients-just good, honest comfort food that the whole family will actually want to eat.
Bonus points: they make fantastic leftovers (if you even have any).
Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card below for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- 1 sheet pan
- 1 wire rack
Ingredients
- 3-4 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons chicken spice mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce use your favorite store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top (this helps the heat circulate and the skin crisp up).
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil and your spice mix, coating each piece evenly.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack, leaving a bit of space between each one. Roast the chicken for 35 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce. Flip and brush the other side. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175-180°F and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- If you want extra char, broil on high for 2-3 minutes-watch closely so it doesn't burn. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Of course, that would be absolutely delicious! You may need to use additional seasoning and bbq sauce. Adjust the cooking time as they may be a bit larger.
Not at all! A quick seasoning is enough to bring big flavor.
Yes! You can season the chicken a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Deb's top tips
Add small veggies, halved baby potatoes, carrot chunks or brussels sprouts to the sheet pan for an easy one pan meal!
You can also mix ½ teaspoon of baking powder into the spice mix. It will help the skin get good and crispy!
Repurpose your leftovers
Shred the leftover drumstick meet for chicken tacos, or chicken wraps - doesn't that sound yummy?!!!
Related recipes
If you're in the mood to keep the chicken dinners rolling, I've got you covered! My Baked Italian Chicken Thighs are tender, juicy, and loaded with garlic-herb flavor. If you love a good crunch, Crunchy Baked Ranch Chicken brings that golden, crispy coating everyone goes nuts for.
And don't miss Jezebel Chicken - sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once, it's the kind of flavor combo that keeps you coming back for seconds.
Serving suggestions
Baked chicken drumsticks pair beautifully with all kinds of sides, so you can really make it a complete meal. Try serving them alongside roasted vegetables or my pan roasted veggies for an easy, colorful option. Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit, or you could go heartier with a ham and potato casserole.
Balance the plate with a crisp green salad, then add fresh bread or my air fryer garlic bread to soak up all those delicious juices!
Wrapping it up
BBQ baked chicken drumsticks are the weeknight hero you didn't know you needed; crispy, juicy, and saucy, they guaranteed to make everyone happy at the table!
Give this recipe a try, then come back and tell me how much your crew loved it. Don't forget to rate the recipe and share it with a friend who's always on the lookout for easy dinner ideas!
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