1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

These oven BBQ chicken drumsticks are tossed in olive oil and savory spices, then baked until golden before being brushed with a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce. The honey or brown sugar in the glaze enhances caramelization, while the final oven stint ensures sticky, flavorful skin. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness. They’re simple to make, yield crowd-pleasing flavor, and become a juicy, satisfying option that works for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Easily adjust the sweetness or spice to your preference, and enjoy every succulent bite.

Pin it Share it Email it Print Jump to Instructions
Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Sat, 05 Jul 2025 19:37:52 GMT
Chicken wings on a white plate. Save
Chicken wings on a white plate. | recipesfoodyummy.com

These oven BBQ chicken drumsticks solve any weeknight dinner crisis and have become my go-to party platter for family nights and game days. Crisp at the edges and sticky with sweet tangy glaze this recipe bakes up a whole pan of comfort with hardly any fuss.

I could barely keep my hands off these the first time I made them — now they disappear before I even get to set out a salad.

Ingredients

  • Chicken drumsticks: the star ingredient gives juicy tender meat with reliable results from budget or premium brands
  • Olive oil: helps crisp the skin and encourages the spice to cling look for a fresh bottle with a peppery hint
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: give classic bold flavor profiles always go for vividly colored aromatics not dull or cakey
  • Smoked paprika: brings rich smoky notes Spanish or Hungarian varieties add complexity
  • Black pepper: provides subtle heat grind fresh for stronger fragrance
  • Salt: for balanced seasoning kosher salt works best to avoid oversalting
  • BBQ sauce: your favorite picked for boldness or sweetness homemade or bottled
  • Honey or brown sugar (optional): for caramelization I love raw honey for floral undertones
  • Fresh parsley: for that pop of green use crisp bundles with no yellowing leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to a hot 200 degrees Celsius which makes the skin crisp up. Line a baking tray with foil for easy cleanup. If you have a wire rack set it on the tray as this lets hot air circulate and helps the drumsticks crisp evenly.
Prep the Drumsticks:
Pat each chicken drumstick dry using paper towels to ensure the oil and spices stick well. In a large bowl drizzle olive oil then add garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper. Toss or mix using your hands until every drumstick is coated and glistening.
Bake the Drumsticks Round One:
Lay the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer on the tray or wire rack ensuring they do not touch. Bake for thirty minutes flipping the drumsticks halfway to get golden color on all sides.
Glaze and Finish:
Mix BBQ sauce together with honey or brown sugar if you want extra stickiness. Brush each drumstick generously with this sauce coating every surface. Pop the drumsticks back in the oven for fifteen to twenty minutes flipping and brushing with more sauce halfway through until they are sticky browned and the internal temperature is seventy five degrees Celsius.
Rest and Serve:
Take the tray out and let the drumsticks sit for five minutes so juices reabsorb. Pile onto a serving plate and shower with fresh parsley before bringing to the table.
A plate of chicken wings. Save
A plate of chicken wings. | recipesfoodyummy.com

The smoked paprika makes every bite unforgettable for me. I always remember my dad sneaking one drumstick right off the tray while they were still warm. That touch of smoked spice instantly takes me home.

Storage Tips

BBQ chicken drumsticks keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. Line the container base with a paper towel to soak up excess moisture. If you want to freeze extra batch cool drumsticks completely then wrap tightly. I like to thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven this keeps them crispy compared to microwaving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find smoked paprika regular sweet paprika or even a dash of chili powder works. For the BBQ sauce bottled sweet and tangy types give a classic glaze but spicy or mustard-based sauces add fun variety. Drumettes or bone-in thighs are great alternatives if you tire of standard drumsticks.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite way is to heap the drumsticks on a platter and pair with classic summer sides like corn salad or coleslaw. Serve with plenty of extra napkins and a cold drink. These also make a fantastic potluck centerpiece — just slice up some bread and put out pickles for a backyard feast vibe.

A Bit of BBQ History

Baking BBQ chicken in the oven is the secret for city cooks who crave that just-off-the-grill flavor without dealing with weather or charcoal. Smoked paprika and good bottled sauces were game changers in home kitchens making proper barbecue easy for everyone. This recipe is a modern process with deep Southern inspiration.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get the skin crispy in the oven?

Baking drumsticks on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispier skin. Patting the chicken dry before seasoning also helps achieve a golden finish.

→ Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, but bone-in drumsticks stay juicier and hold up better to oven baking. Adjust the cooking time, as boneless cuts cook faster.

→ How do I make the glaze extra sticky?

Add honey or brown sugar to your BBQ sauce before brushing. This helps the glaze caramelize and become more luscious and sticky in the oven.

→ What can I serve with BBQ chicken drumsticks?

Try classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or corn on the cob to complement the smoky flavors.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). The juices should run clear when pierced near the bone.

Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ-glazed chicken drumsticks, oven-baked until tender, sticky, and golden with a smoky, caramelized finish.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
50 mins
Total Duration
65 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Portions Yielded: 8 Serving Size (26 drumsticks)

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

What You'll Need

→ For the chicken

01 26 chicken drumsticks
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 teaspoons garlic powder
04 2 teaspoons onion powder
05 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
06 1 teaspoon black pepper
07 1 teaspoon salt

→ For the glaze

08 375 millilitres barbecue sauce
09 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
10 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a large baking tray with foil and position a wire rack on top for optimal airflow and crispiness.

Step 02

Pat chicken drumsticks thoroughly dry using paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, combine drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 03

Arrange drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared tray or wire rack. Bake for 30 minutes, turning each drumstick halfway through the cooking time.

Step 04

In a smaller bowl, mix barbecue sauce with honey or brown sugar, if using. Remove drumsticks from the oven and brush each piece generously with the sauce mixture.

Step 05

Return drumsticks to the oven and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, turning and glazing once more at the halfway mark, until the surface is sticky, caramelized, and the internal temperature reaches 75°C.

Step 06

Let drumsticks rest for 5 minutes. Arrange elegantly on a serving plate, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes and Tips

  1. For enhanced caramelization, add honey or brown sugar to the barbecue sauce during glazing.
  2. Resting the drumsticks ensures juiciness and allows flavors to settle.

Required Equipment

  • Large baking tray
  • Wire rack
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry brush
  • Kitchen tongs

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Barbecue sauce may contain allergens such as soy, gluten, or mustard depending on brand.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 185
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Proteins: 17 g