Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Chicken drumsticks: These are the main protein for the dish, providing a juicy and flavorful base.

BBQ sauce: This adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to the chicken, creating a delicious glaze.

Olive oil: Used to lightly grease the baking sheet, preventing the chicken from sticking.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

To achieve perfectly caramelized bbq sauce on your chicken drumsticks, make sure to apply the sauce in layers. After the initial 25 minutes of baking, brush the drumsticks with a generous amount of bbq sauce and return them to the oven. Halfway through the final 20 minutes, brush another layer of sauce. This layering technique ensures a thick, sticky coating that enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken.

• chicken drumsticks - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a suitable alternative.

• chicken drumsticks - Substitute with turkey drumsticks: Turkey drumsticks offer a similar meaty texture but with a slightly different flavor.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor, though it will change the dish's profile.

• bbq sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard offers a tangy and sweet alternative that pairs well with chicken.

• olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and has a high smoke point, suitable for baking.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with umami flavor, enhancing the dish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a more complex flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds more heat and a different flavor, so use sparingly.

• Allow the chicken drumsticks to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the drumsticks in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you plan to freeze the baked BBQ chicken drumsticks, first wrap each drumstick individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the individually wrapped drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• For best quality, consume frozen drumsticks within 2-3 months. While they can be stored longer, the texture and flavor may start to degrade.
• To reheat refrigerated drumsticks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen drumsticks, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen by baking at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, covered with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
• For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Place the drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.
• To maintain the BBQ sauce's caramelized texture, you can brush a little extra bbq sauce on the drumsticks before reheating in the oven. This will help refresh the flavor and keep them moist.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the drumsticks with another piece of foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. For extra caramelization, remove the top foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second increments until warm.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Turn occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 10-15 minutes.
  4. If the BBQ sauce starts to stick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the pan.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check for desired warmth and crispiness before serving.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks on the grill, turning occasionally.
  3. Grill for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the BBQ sauce is slightly caramelized.
  4. Use a brush to add a bit more BBQ sauce if desired during the last few minutes of grilling.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken drumsticks at the required temperature.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the drumsticks for baking.

• Aluminum foil: Lines the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Olive oil brush: Used to lightly grease the aluminum foil and to brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce.

• Measuring cup: Measures the correct amount of BBQ sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Measures the salt, black pepper, and olive oil accurately.

• Tongs: Helps in placing and removing the drumsticks from the baking sheet.

• Bowl: Used to mix the drumsticks with salt and black pepper before placing them on the baking sheet.

• Cooling rack: Allows the drumsticks to rest after baking, ensuring they stay crispy.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when handling the hot baking sheet.

Preheat efficiently: Preheat your oven while you prepare the chicken drumsticks to save time.

Use a marinade bag: Season the drumsticks in a resealable bag for even coating and easy cleanup.

Line and grease: Line your baking sheet with foil and grease it beforehand to minimize cleanup.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Quick brush: Use a silicone brush for fast and even application of bbq sauce.

Resting time: Let the drumsticks rest while you prepare side dishes.