Tender drumsticks are marinated in a simple blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings, then baked and basted with a sweet, smoky barbecue sauce until sticky and delicious.
Oven Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks
There are plenty of ways to make barbecue chicken, but sometimes the easiest methods turn out to be the best.
These Oven Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks start with a simple seasoned marinade, then are slowly baked and basted until they're coated with a sweet, smoky, sticky barbecue glaze.
The sauce used here is a shortcut, semi-homemade version, a quick pantry recipe that transforms an ordinary bottle of barbecue sauce into something that tastes a little more homemade.
While it's a favorite on grilled meats, and certainly has its place there, it works especially well in the oven where it has time to caramelize and cling to every bite of chicken - and offers up a few advantages.
The controlled temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy, while repeated applications of barbecue sauce create layers of flavor that build as the chicken bakes and is perfect for these cooler days when you don't mind turning on the oven.
For drumsticks especially, baking is an easy, hands-off method that doesn't require constant turning or worrying about flare-ups from dripping sauce and rendered fat as with the grill. The result is tender chicken with plenty of sticky barbecue flavor and very little fuss.
While it's a favorite on grilled meats, and certainly has its place there, it works especially well in the oven where it has time to caramelize and cling to every bite of chicken - and offers up a few advantages.
The controlled temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy, while repeated applications of barbecue sauce create layers of flavor that build as the chicken bakes and is perfect for these cooler days when you don't mind turning on the oven.
For drumsticks especially, baking is an easy, hands-off method that doesn't require constant turning or worrying about flare-ups from dripping sauce and rendered fat as with the grill. The result is tender chicken with plenty of sticky barbecue flavor and very little fuss.
This is one of those recipes that's perfect when grilling isn't an option, whether because of the weather, the season, or simply because you don't feel like standing outside tending a grill.
Served alongside potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad, it makes an easy family meal any day of the week.
Combine the marinade ingredients in a medium-size lidded bowl until well blended. Set aside.
As to the sauce, you can certainly use your own preferred brand of bottled sauce here, but I don't know if you've noticed, some of the big brand, bottled barbecue sauces out there have gotten a little pricey here lately!
The barbecue sauce used here is what I call my Dressed-Up Barbecue Sauce, a longtime shortcut favorite that's made by combining a lesser expensive generic bottled barbecue sauce with a few pantry staples.
A little ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce, and seasoning help round out the flavor and create a richer, more complex sauce. You'll want to give the flavor time to develop so go ahead and get that mixed up so you can refrigerate it while the chicken marinates.
I've included the full recipe below for convenience, but if you've already made a batch and have some in the refrigerator, this is a great way to put it to use and of course, you can reserve any leftover sauce for pulled pork, sandwiches, pork chops, ribs, or burgers!
For the Dressed-Up Barbecue Sauce - Makes About 3 Cups
Whisk everything together until well blended.
Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors develop until needed.
I'm using Good Chop chicken drumsticks today. Note: I have no financial affiliate relationship with Good Chop. I'm just sharing one of the sources that I use for quality meats, paid for out of my own pocket.
That's some good-looking drumsticks y'all!
Toss the chicken in the marinade bowl, toss to coat well, seal it up and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, tossing occasionally.
Tip: A longer marinating time will always produce the best flavor, so if time allows, let the drumsticks rest overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
For best results, arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, avoid overcrowing or overlap. Because the chicken is a little sticky, even though I'm using non-stick bakeware, I also like baking it on a piece of parchment for easier cleanup.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and spoon some of the barbecue sauce evenly over the drumsticks, turning to coat both sides. Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon on additional sauce, turning and coating both sides. Return to the oven and continue baking about 15 minutes longer, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when measured in the thickest part without touching bone. Total cooking time will typically be 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the drumsticks.
Remove from the oven and brush with additional sauce, if desired. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Note: As noted, I'm using Good Chop brand drumsticks here but because grocery store and flash frozen uncooked drumsticks can vary considerably in size, always rely on an instant-read thermometer rather than cooking time alone. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer in the thickest part of the drum without touching bone.
If you're looking for an easy, family-friendly chicken dinner that delivers plenty of barbecue flavor without firing up the grill, these Oven Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks are hard to beat.
The simple marinade helps keep the chicken juicy, while repeated layers of that sweet and smoky barbecue sauce create the kind of sticky finger-licking finish everybody loves. Don't forget to save any extra sauce for burgers, sandwiches, pork chops, ribs, or your next batch of chicken.
For more of my favorite chicken recipes, check out the collection on my Pinterest page!
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Served alongside potato salad, baked beans, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad, it makes an easy family meal any day of the week.
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Here's what you'll need to make my Oven Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks:
- 3 pounds chicken drumsticks (I used Good Chop)
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Creole or Cajun seasoning, or to taste, optional
Combine the marinade ingredients in a medium-size lidded bowl until well blended. Set aside.
As to the sauce, you can certainly use your own preferred brand of bottled sauce here, but I don't know if you've noticed, some of the big brand, bottled barbecue sauces out there have gotten a little pricey here lately!
The barbecue sauce used here is what I call my Dressed-Up Barbecue Sauce, a longtime shortcut favorite that's made by combining a lesser expensive generic bottled barbecue sauce with a few pantry staples.
A little ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, hot sauce, and seasoning help round out the flavor and create a richer, more complex sauce. You'll want to give the flavor time to develop so go ahead and get that mixed up so you can refrigerate it while the chicken marinates.
I've included the full recipe below for convenience, but if you've already made a batch and have some in the refrigerator, this is a great way to put it to use and of course, you can reserve any leftover sauce for pulled pork, sandwiches, pork chops, ribs, or burgers!
For the Dressed-Up Barbecue Sauce - Makes About 3 Cups
- 1 (18-ounce) bottle barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Couple dashes hot sauce
- Dash Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Creole or Cajun seasoning, or to taste, optional
Whisk everything together until well blended.
Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors develop until needed.
I'm using Good Chop chicken drumsticks today. Note: I have no financial affiliate relationship with Good Chop. I'm just sharing one of the sources that I use for quality meats, paid for out of my own pocket.
That's some good-looking drumsticks y'all!
Toss the chicken in the marinade bowl, toss to coat well, seal it up and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, tossing occasionally.
Tip: A longer marinating time will always produce the best flavor, so if time allows, let the drumsticks rest overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
Note: As an Amazon.com Services LLC Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases linked in my posts and marked as #ad or #affiliate links.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
For best results, arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, avoid overcrowing or overlap. Because the chicken is a little sticky, even though I'm using non-stick bakeware, I also like baking it on a piece of parchment for easier cleanup.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and spoon some of the barbecue sauce evenly over the drumsticks, turning to coat both sides. Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon on additional sauce, turning and coating both sides. Return to the oven and continue baking about 15 minutes longer, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when measured in the thickest part without touching bone. Total cooking time will typically be 50 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the drumsticks.
Remove from the oven and brush with additional sauce, if desired. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Note: As noted, I'm using Good Chop brand drumsticks here but because grocery store and flash frozen uncooked drumsticks can vary considerably in size, always rely on an instant-read thermometer rather than cooking time alone. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer in the thickest part of the drum without touching bone.
If you're looking for an easy, family-friendly chicken dinner that delivers plenty of barbecue flavor without firing up the grill, these Oven Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks are hard to beat.
The simple marinade helps keep the chicken juicy, while repeated layers of that sweet and smoky barbecue sauce create the kind of sticky finger-licking finish everybody loves. Don't forget to save any extra sauce for burgers, sandwiches, pork chops, ribs, or your next batch of chicken.
For more of my favorite chicken recipes, check out the collection on my Pinterest page!
Unable to view the printable above on your device? Tap/click here for a backup printable.
Thank you for supporting my work! Please note that Images and Full Post Content including photographs and recipe ©Deep South Dish. Recipes are offered for your own personal use only and while pinning and sharing links is welcomed and encouraged, do not copy and paste post or recipe text to repost or republish to any social media (such as other Facebook pages, etc.), blogs, websites, forums, or any print medium, without explicit prior permission. Unauthorized use of content from ©Deep South Dish is a violation of both the federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and copyright law. All rights reserved.
Material Disclosure: Unless otherwise noted, you should assume that post links to the providers of goods and services mentioned, establish an affiliate relationship and/or other material connection and that I may be compensated when you purchase from a provider. You are never under any obligation to purchase anything when using my recipes and you should always perform due diligence before buying goods or services from anyone via the Internet or offline.
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