Go Back
Here’s what you need for BBQ chicken drumsticks. Gather these items before you start: - 8 chicken drumsticks - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish These ingredients come together to create a dish full of flavor. Choose a BBQ sauce that you love. It really makes a difference! The spices add depth and warmth, while the fresh herbs bring a pop of color and taste. Each piece of chicken will soak up all those good flavors. This is what makes your meal special and memorable. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine: - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste 3. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up better. 4. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl. Coat them well with the BBQ sauce mixture. 5. Spread the drumsticks on the sheet pan. Make sure to leave space between them. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Flip the drumsticks halfway through. They should be crispy and reach 165°F (74°C) inside. 7. For a nice caramelized finish, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid burning. 8. Once done, remove the drumsticks from the oven. Let them rest for 5 minutes. 9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy your BBQ chicken drumsticks! To get crispy drumsticks, start by patting them dry. Use paper towels to soak up any extra moisture. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely. Next, coat the drumsticks well with the BBQ sauce mixture. Make sure every bit is covered. Spacing is key on your sheet pan. Place the drumsticks apart from each other. This allows hot air to circulate. If they are too close, they will steam instead of crisp. Aim for a single layer for the best results. For BBQ sauce, I love to use well-known brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s or Stubb’s. These sauces have a great balance of sweetness and tang. They make the dish flavorful without extra work. If you want to try a homemade BBQ sauce, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. Add some mustard and Worcestershire sauce for depth. You can adjust the flavors to your taste. Adding a bit of smoked paprika can enhance the taste too. Enjoy experimenting! {{image_2}} You can change up the BBQ chicken drumsticks in fun ways. For a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper or try a spicy BBQ sauce. This adds heat and excitement. You might also enjoy a fresh herb twist. Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in your BBQ sauce. This brings a bright taste that pairs well with the chicken. You can grill or bake the drumsticks. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor and adds grill marks. Just make sure to watch them closely. Baking is easy and less messy. It makes the chicken crispy in the oven. You can even use a slow cooker for a tender option. Cooking in a slow cooker takes longer but keeps the chicken juicy. Just coat the drumsticks and cook on low for 6-8 hours. After enjoying your BBQ chicken drumsticks, you might have some left. To keep them fresh, place the drumsticks in an airtight container. This will help them last longer in the fridge. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. Wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheating is key. To keep the skin crispy, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. If you want extra crispiness, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end. Just watch them closely to avoid burning. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat. This method keeps the drumsticks nice and crunchy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken drumsticks. Just remember to thaw them first. The best way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can run them under cold water. This helps them cook evenly. The best internal temperature for chicken drumsticks is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. It also keeps the meat juicy and tender. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing them. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. You can marinate the drumsticks in the BBQ sauce mixture. Just cover them and place them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to soak in, making them even better when you bake them. You learned how to make tasty BBQ chicken drumsticks. We covered key ingredients, preparation steps, and baking techniques. I shared tips for crispy skin and creative sauce options. You can try different flavors, and I showed how to store and reheat leftovers. With these skills, you can impress others and enjoy delicious meals. Cooking should be fun and rewarding. Don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors!

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Sheet Pan

Discover the ultimate BBQ Bliss Chicken Drumsticks recipe that will elevate your grilling game! With juicy drumsticks coated in a flavorful BBQ sauce mix and perfectly baked for a crispy finish, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy it as a family dinner or at your next gathering. Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips to make this mouthwatering recipe a hit at your table! Don't miss out on this delicious cooking adventure!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 chicken drumsticks

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.

      Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up properly.

        Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the BBQ sauce mixture, coating them thoroughly.

          Spread the coated drumsticks onto the prepared sheet pan in a single layer, leaving space between each one.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through cooking, until they are cooked through and crispy on the outside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

              For an extra caramelized finish, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.

                Remove from the oven and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes.

                  Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4