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BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are the ultimate weeknight dinner with sticky, caramelized skin and juicy meat beneath a glossy layer of sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 lb / 900 g)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce
  • Chopped parsley, to garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil and set a rack on top.
  2. Pat the drumsticks very dry with paper towels.
  3. Toss with the oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  4. Arrange on the rack and bake for 25 minutes.
  5. Brush generously with BBQ sauce, then bake 15 to 20 more minutes, brushing once more halfway, until sticky and caramelized (165°F / 74°C inside).
  6. Rest for 5 minutes, brush with a final layer of sauce, and top with parsley.

Notes

  • Pat the drumsticks completely dry so the spice rub adheres directly to the skin and caramelizes properly.
  • Always use an oven-safe wire rack inside your baking tray to let hot air circulate around every side.
  • Brush on sauce in thin, generous layers rather than one heavy flood to prevent soggy patches.
  • Let the chicken rest after baking so the juices settle and the final sauce layer stays glossy.
  • Check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the meat without touching bone.
  • Wait for the initial 25 minute bake before brushing sauce to prevent the sugars from burning.
  • Do not crowd the drumsticks; give each piece room on the rack so heat can travel all around.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishmio.com/bbq-chicken-drumsticks/