BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are made with a simple rub, then oven-baked to crispy perfection. They are then coated in your favorite barbecue sauce before serving. This easy recipe is a great option to serve a crowd or for weekly meal prep.
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Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a simple, delicious recipe to enjoy all year long.
They are dry rubbed with a blend of spices including smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and thyme, then oven-baked until crispy. They can then be coated or dipped into your favorite barbecue sauce.
Enjoy them as an appetizer, snack or small meal. Serve them for the big game along with other finger foods like Spicy Beef Sliders and Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Beef Bites.
Why This Recipe Works
This is a really easy recipe to prepare. It’s as simple as coating the chicken in a dry rub and baking. You can then coat in barbecue sauce or use it as a dip.
It’s a flavorful and adaptable recipe. Use your favorite barbecue sauce flavor from hickory to honey flavors. Unless you choose a spicy barbecue sauce, these drumsticks are kid-friendly.
This recipe can be used to serve a crowd and is also a good option for weekly meal prep. They make the best snack for game day too!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
BBQ Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (can use gluten free or cornstarch)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce: you can use any barbecue sauce that you like.
The entire recipe and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Create!
Combine the flour, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well blended. Set aside.
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken will help to make the chicken crunchier.
Coat the chicken lightly with the olive oil, then spread on the dry rub until each drumstick is evenly coated.
Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken needs to reach 165ºF when measured on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion, not touching the bone.
Remove the chicken and coat lightly with the barbecue sauce. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes.
Chef’s Tip: adding barbecue sauce can reduce some of the crispiness but adds lots of flavor. If you prefer crispier chicken, skip this step and use the barbecue sauce as a dipping sauce when serving.
Present!
Serve with extra barbecue sauce or other dipping sauce, if desired.
Tips and Techniques
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce to make this recipe your own.
- If you prefer crispier chicken, skip the step of adding the barbecue sauce to the chicken and baking longer and just use the barbecue sauce as a dipping sauce when serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 to 4 days.
FAQ’s
Can You Prepare BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Ahead Of Time?
You can prepare BBQ chicken drumsticks ahead of time, but it is recommended to not add the barbecue sauce until you are ready to serve them to prevent sogginess. Remember that the drumsticks must reach an internal temperature of 165°F when reheated, as well.
Can You Freeze BBQ Chicken Drumsticks?
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bags in the freezer for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion, not touching the bone.
More Barbecue Recipes
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Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
BBQ Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (can use gluten free or cornstarch)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (any that you like)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
BBQ Dry Rub
- Combine the flour, paprika, smoked paprika, salt, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well blended. Set aside.2 tablespoons all purpose flour, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon pepper
Chicken Drumsticks
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- Coat the chicken lightly with the olive oil, then spread on the dry rub until each drumstick is evenly coated.1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken needs to reach 165ºF when measured on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion, not touching the bone.
- Remove the chicken and coat lightly with the barbecue sauce. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes.1/4 cup barbecue sauce
- Serve with extra barbecue sauce or other dipping sauce, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Use your favorite barbecue sauce to make this recipe your own.
- If you prefer crispier chicken, skip the step of adding the barbecue sauce to the chicken and baking longer and just use the barbecue sauce as a dipping sauce when serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 to 4 days.
