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- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite, homemade or store-bought) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish You need two pounds of chicken drumsticks for this dish. This amount serves about four people. Adjust the amount if you cook for more or fewer. If you want a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, skip it altogether. You can also play with the amounts of garlic and onion powder. If you love garlic, feel free to add a bit more. The same goes for smoked paprika, which gives a nice, smoky taste. For the best flavor, choose a BBQ sauce that you enjoy. Some popular choices include sweet, tangy, or spicy sauces. You can also try homemade options, which often taste fresher. If you want something unique, look for sauces with fruit flavors like peach or mango. For a healthier twist, consider low-sugar or organic BBQ sauces. They can still pack a punch without too many added sugars. Remember, the sauce is the star of the show. So pick one that makes your taste buds dance! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the skin get nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top. The rack lets hot air flow around the chicken, making it cook evenly. Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy when baking. In a large bowl, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the drumsticks. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like some heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss the drumsticks until they are well coated in the seasoning. Place the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch. This helps them cook evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, take them out and brush your favorite BBQ sauce on all sides. Return them to the oven for another 15-20 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C), and the skin should be crispy and caramelized. If you want extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Just watch closely to avoid burning! Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To get that perfect crispy skin, start by drying the drumsticks well. Use paper towels to remove any moisture. Moisture can make the skin soggy. Next, make sure to use a wire rack while baking. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken. If you want an extra crunch, broil the drumsticks for a few minutes at the end. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning. One common mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If the drumsticks touch, they won’t cook evenly. Always lay them out in a single layer. Another mistake is not preheating the oven. Be sure to start with a hot oven at 425°F. This helps the skin crisp up right away. Lastly, don’t skip the resting step after baking. Letting the chicken rest helps the juices settle. The best cooking technique for Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is to bake them at a high temperature. This gives a nice char and caramelization. Use olive oil and spices to coat the drumsticks before baking. This adds flavor and helps crisp the skin. When applying the BBQ sauce, do it halfway through cooking. This lets the sauce caramelize without burning. For a tasty twist, try different BBQ sauces for varied flavors. You can find the full recipe [here](#). {{image_2}} You can change the flavors of baked BBQ chicken drumsticks with different marinades. Try mixing soy sauce, honey, and ginger for a sweet Asian twist. Or, use lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for a fresh taste. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the meat soak up those yummy flavors. You don't have to bake these drumsticks. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill to medium heat and cook for about 30 minutes, turning often. Air frying is quick and easy. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 25 minutes. Both methods keep the chicken juicy and crisp. If you want a healthier option, use skinless chicken drumsticks. You can also swap BBQ sauce for a sugar-free version or a hot sauce for spice lovers. For those who are gluten-free, check the sauce labels. Many brands offer gluten-free BBQ sauces that taste great. These swaps let everyone enjoy the dish! After enjoying your Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, let them cool completely. Place the drumsticks in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, take the drumsticks out of the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are hot. You can also microwave them for 2 to 3 minutes, but the skin may not be as crispy. For freezing, wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. After thawing, reheating instructions remain the same. Enjoy your tasty meal even later! To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a drumstick. The juices should run clear, not pink. This method helps avoid undercooked chicken. Yes, you can use other chicken cuts. Thighs or breasts work great too. Just adjust the cooking time. Drumsticks cook faster due to their size. Thighs may need a few extra minutes. Always check the internal temperature to be safe. Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Coleslaw - Corn on the cob - Baked beans - Grilled vegetables - Potato salad These sides add flavor and texture to your meal. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. For the full recipe, please refer to the recipe section. Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a fun and simple dish. They are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. You can make them in just 45 minutes. This recipe serves four, making it great for a family dinner. The chicken drumsticks get crispy outside and tender inside. You can use your favorite BBQ sauce, homemade or store-bought. It adds a sweet and tangy taste that pairs well with the spices. Each serving of baked BBQ chicken drumsticks provides essential nutrients. Here are some key points about the nutrition: - Calories: Approximately 300 - Protein: About 25 grams - Fat: Roughly 15 grams - Carbohydrates: Around 10 grams - Fiber: 0 grams - Sodium: Depends on the BBQ sauce used This dish offers a good source of protein, making it a filling meal. The amount of fat and calories may change based on the BBQ sauce you choose. You can serve baked BBQ chicken drumsticks in many ways. Here are some ideas: - Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy side pairs well with the warm chicken. - Corn on the cob: Sweet corn adds a nice touch to the meal. - Potato salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic choice for BBQ dishes. - Rice or quinoa: These grains can absorb the tasty BBQ sauce. For a nice presentation, serve the drumsticks on a large platter. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and add chopped fresh parsley for color. Enjoy this easy and tasty meal! In this post, we explored the key elements of making baked BBQ chicken drumsticks. We covered the essential ingredients, offered clear step-by-step instructions, and shared tips for that perfect crispy skin. You learned about flavorful variations and how to store leftovers safely. My final thoughts: with the right methods and creativity, you can enjoy a delicious meal. Don't be afraid to experiment, and enjoy your cooking journey!

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Enjoy a finger-licking feast with these Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks! Perfectly crispy and drenched in your favorite BBQ sauce, this easy recipe is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Click through to discover how to make these scrumptious drumsticks that are ideal for any occasion. Get ready to elevate your dinner and delight your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

2 pounds chicken drumsticks

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite, homemade or store-bought)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.

    Prepare the Drumsticks: Rinse the drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy when baking.

      Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss the drumsticks until they are thoroughly coated with the seasoning.

        Arrange on Baking Rack: Place the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack in a single layer, ensuring that they don’t touch each other. This will ensure even cooking and crispiness.

          Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

            Apply BBQ Sauce: After 25 minutes, pull the drumsticks out and brush them generously with BBQ sauce on all sides.

              Finish Baking: Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy and caramelized. You can crank up the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness (watch carefully to avoid burning!).

                Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the drumsticks on a large platter, drizzled with extra BBQ sauce, and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair with coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete barbecue meal!