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Ultimate Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks - Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Legs Recipe

These oven BBQ chicken drumsticks are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfectly juicy chicken legs coated in a sticky sweet barbecue sauce bake to perfection in your oven, creating a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 2-3 pounds)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels – this helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken drumsticks. Drizzle with olive oil and rub to coat.
  3. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not touching. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the skin to crisp and the chicken to cook through.
  4. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Brush each drumstick generously with barbecue sauce, coating all sides. Return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
  5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispy skin. Apply BBQ sauce during last 15-20 minutes to prevent burning. Use meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier results.