Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks: The Ultimate Oven-Baked Recipe
Every bite offers sticky, smoky-sweet goodness without heating up your kitchen.
Summers can get brutally hot—but you don’t have to stand over a fiery grill to serve up delicious barbecue chicken. This BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe lets you bake your way to tangy, sticky perfection, all in the comfort of your air-conditioned kitchen. With a flavor-packed homemade barbecue sauce and simple prep, these drumsticks are ultra-juicy, sweet, smoky, and impossible to resist.
Why Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks?
Baking BBQ chicken in the oven lets you avoid summer’s heat and delivers perfectly cooked, tender drumsticks that are packed with flavor. The oven’s even heat ensures juicy meat and a caramelized, sticky glaze—no grill required. If you prepare the sauce in advance, this dinner comes together quickly, making it an easy weeknight staple.
What Makes This Barbecue Sauce Special?
The heart of this recipe is its homemade barbecue sauce, with a complex balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and a little heat. Key components include:
- Sautéed garlic and onion for savory depth
- Ketchup and molasses for tanginess and sweetness
- Brown sugar for rich caramel notes
- Chipotle chiles in adobo for smokiness and gentle heat
- Vinegar for brightness
- Worcestershire sauce for umami complexity
This combination is simmered gently to meld flavors and thicken just enough to cling to the chicken.
Essential Ingredients
For the Barbecue Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp. canola oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup minced canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
- 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar (or slightly less, to taste)
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt, to taste
For the Chicken:
- Canola oil, for brushing pans
- 6 to 7 lb. skin-on chicken drumsticks (about 24), patted dry
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
- Make the Barbecue Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat canola oil over medium-low.
- Add garlic and onion; cook, stirring often, until very soft (about 5 minutes). Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in ketchup, molasses, brown sugar, chipotles, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened (about 20 minutes).
- Let cool. Reserve 1/2 cup sauce in a separate bowl for serving.
- Prepare and Bake the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Brush 2 rimmed baking sheets lightly with canola oil.
- Season drumsticks all over with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the chicken on pans so pieces don’t touch.
- Bake until drumsticks are very tender and start browning (35 to 40 minutes).
- Glaze and Finish:
- Turn the drumsticks over. Brush all over with about half the barbecue sauce.
- Return to oven; bake 5 minutes until glossy.
- Flip again; brush with the remaining sauce.
- Bake 5-7 minutes more, until very sticky and glazed.
- Serve with reserved sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best BBQ Drumsticks
- Parchment or foil lining ensures easy cleanup—barbecue sauce can be sticky!
- Space chicken pieces for even cooking and lots of browning.
- Blotting drumsticks dry helps get crispier skin pre-glaze.
- Turn and brush multiple times to build up the sticky glaze.
- Let chicken rest briefly before serving for juiciest results.
Serving Suggestions
BBQ chicken drumsticks pair well with a variety of classic side dishes. Some favorites include:
- Creamy pasta salad
- Crunchy broccoli salad
- Old-fashioned potato salad
- Coleslaw (creamy or vinegar-based)
- Baked beans
- Roasted corn on the cob
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
- Make the sauce up to a week ahead; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Leftover cooked drumsticks keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on a sheet pan in a 350°F oven until warmed through and glaze is sticky again (about 10 minutes).
- Frozen drumsticks (already cooked and sauced) can be reheated from frozen at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
A: Yes, although homemade sauce delivers richer flavor, you can substitute your favorite bottled barbecue sauce in a pinch.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: The inclusion of chipotle chiles adds subtle heat and smokiness, but the overall spice level is moderate. For less heat, use fewer chipotles or omit them.
What others are reading
Q: Can I grill the drumsticks instead of baking?
A: Absolutely! Grill over medium heat, turning and glazing frequently until cooked through and sticky, about 25-30 minutes.
Q: Does this work with other chicken parts?
A: Yes. Thighs, wings, or bone-in breasts all work well—just adjust the baking time as needed for different cuts.
Q: How do I know when the drumsticks are done?
A: The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be very tender, juices clear, and skin caramelized.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Note: Values are an estimate based on typical ingredients and serving size (one drumstick with sauce).
Need More BBQ Chicken Inspiration?
- Slow Cooker Drumsticks: Coat drumsticks with a blend of honey, lime, soy sauce, and ginger; let your slow cooker do the work for ultra tender, flavorful chicken.
- Oven BBQ Chicken Thighs: Swap drumsticks for thighs, and try a fruity twist with peach preserves in the sauce for stickier, richer flavor.
Final Thoughts
Oven-baked barbecue chicken drumsticks are a surefire hit at family dinners, summer gatherings, or any time a BBQ craving strikes. With an easy homemade sauce, a few smart baking tips, and the flexibility to customize for spice or tang, you’ll serve up the very best sticky, saucy drumsticks without ever firing up the grill.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32346143/barbecue-chicken-drumsticks-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a65174419/slow-cooker-chicken-drumsticks-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11747/oven-bbq-chicken/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10212/barbecue-chicken/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g42592200/chicken-drumstick-recipes/
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