Easy oven-baked barbecue chicken drumsticks with a smoky, tangy sauce and a crispy caramelized finish.

Servings: 4

Y’all, when it comes to BBQ chicken, nothing beats these easy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. They’re tender, juicy, and coated in a sticky, smoky-sweet barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a backyard-style feast, these quick and simple drumsticks are always a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, they’re baked, so you get all the flavor without standing over a grill. Let’s fire up the oven and get to cookin’, darlin’!

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
2 tbsp honey (optional, for extra caramelization)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Supplies Needed

Baking sheet
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Basting brush

Instructions

Prepare the Drumsticks

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then rub them all over with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Bake the Drumsticks

Place the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching. Bake for 25 minutes.

Brush with BBQ Sauce

Remove the drumsticks from the oven and generously brush them with barbecue sauce on all sides. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce is caramelized.

Optional Broil

For extra crispy edges, broil the drumsticks for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Serve

Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for even crispiness all around the drumsticks.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a true barbecue feast.

Variations

Honey BBQ Drumsticks

Add 2 tbsp honey to the barbecue sauce for a sweeter, sticky glaze.

Spicy BBQ Chicken Legs

Mix a teaspoon of hot sauce or sriracha into the barbecue sauce for a fiery twist.

Lemon Herb BBQ Drumsticks

Marinate the drumsticks in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before baking, then brush with barbecue sauce.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks?
Absolutely! Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the chicken pieces to ensure they’re cooked through.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?
Use your favorite brand, or go for a smoky, hickory-flavored sauce for a classic BBQ taste.

How do I keep the drumsticks from drying out?
Baking at 400°F and brushing with sauce during cooking helps keep them moist and juicy.

Sweetheart, these Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are so good you’ll want to keep extra napkins handy. They’re finger-lickin’ delicious, with that perfect combo of crispy edges and juicy, saucy goodness. Whether you’re serving these easy chicken drumsticks up for dinner or a backyard gathering, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Now, let’s get bakin’, darlin’!

Sweetheart, this post might have a few affiliate links tucked in. That just means if you click and buy, Mama Bear gets a little commission—just enough to keep the pantry stocked with barbecue sauce and sweet tea. Thank you kindly for your support!