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Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy, tender chicken drumsticks marinated in smoky, sweet BBQ sauce and oven-roasted to a beautiful caramelized char—easy, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
  2. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the drumsticks on the rack and bake for 25 minutes.
  5. Remove from the oven, brush generously with BBQ sauce, and return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is caramelized.
  6. Optionally, broil for 2–3 minutes for extra char.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use a wire rack to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
  • Marinate the drumsticks in BBQ sauce overnight for deeper flavor.
  • Pair with coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted veggies for a full meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: bbq chicken drumsticks, oven baked chicken, weeknight chicken recipe, summer cookout, crispy drumsticks