Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Are you searching for a lip-smacking chicken recipe that’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress? Our delicious chicken drumsticks are just what you need! This dish brings a fantastic combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

These chicken drumsticks, seasoned with an array of spices, are coated in a homemade barbecue sauce that balances the sweetness of honey and brown sugar with the heat of chili powder. The addition of sweet Thai-style chili sauce and ketchup adds a tangy note that rounds out the flavor profile perfectly.

• FLAVOR EXPLOSION – This recipe masterfully combines a variety of flavors – the sweetness of honey, the tanginess of BBQ sauce, and the savory taste of chicken!
• EASE & CONVENIENCE – These drumsticks are incredibly easy to prepare. They’re baked in the oven which means less oil and mess compared to frying.
• BUDGET FRIENDLY – Chicken drumsticks are considered to be a more economical choice compared to other cuts of chicken like chicken breasts.

Ingredients you’ll need for these Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks:

• Chicken Drumsticks- You can use chicken thighs also
• Salt & Pepper
• Chili Sauce- Sweet Thai style
• Ketchup- I’m a die hard Heinz fan, but any brand will work!
• Honey
• Brown Sugar
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Chili Powder
• Dried Mustard Powder
• Garlic Salt- This already has the salt mixed in with the garlic powder.

Find the FULL Printable Recipe with exact measurements below

Step 1: Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 3 Quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and salt and pepper the drumsticks and place in pan.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, dry mustard, and garlic salt; stir to combine well.

Step 3: Pour the sauce over the drumsticks, turning them over to coat each piece evenly. Bake for 40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the the chicken is at least 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.

Tools you’ll need

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1. Can I use chicken thighs or wings instead of drumsticks? Yes, you can substitute drumsticks with chicken thighs or wings. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.

2. Can I just use a store bought BBQ sauce? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce from the grocery store. I do highly recommend the delicious taste of this homemade BBQ sauce!

3. How can I tell if my chicken is cooked thoroughly? The safest way to check is by using an instant read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick, away from the bone.

5. Do I have to marinate the chicken? No, the homemade BBQ sauce provides exceptional flavor for the chicken, so marinating it beforehand isn’t required.

6. How can I make the skin more crispy? For crispier skin, you can broil the drumsticks on high for a few minutes after they are baked. Be sure to watch them closely during broiling to prevent burning.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the drumsticks in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving. However, for the best flavor and texture, I recommended to serve them fresh out of the oven.

1. Chicken: If drumsticks aren’t available, you can use chicken thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may require less or more time depending on their size.
2. Sweet Thai Style Chili Sauce: If you don’t have this, you can substitute it with any other chili sauce or even hot sauce, but the flavor will be different. If you like a sweeter flavor, add a bit of sugar or honey.
3. Ketchup: If you don’t have ketchup, tomato sauce can be used. Just adjust the sweetness and tanginess with a bit of sugar and vinegar.
4. Honey: If you’re out of honey, you can use more brown sugar, molasses, or maple syrup as alternatives.
5. Brown Sugar: If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, you can use white sugar, but the flavor will be slightly less robust.
6. Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute for Worcestershire sauce.
7. Chili Powder: If you don’t have chili powder, you can use a mix of paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper as an alternative.
8. Ground Mustard Powder: If you don’t have ground mustard, you can use a half amount of regular mustard.
9. Garlic Salt: You can substitute garlic salt with equal parts of garlic powder and regular salt.

• Dutch Oven Potatoes
• Velvetta Macaroni and Cheese
• Coleslaw
• This easy recipe for BBQ Chicken Legs also goes great served with a simple salad and roasted vegetables, or you can serve it alongside the classic bbq sides such as potato salad and baked beans.

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Note: Take your BBQ drumsticks up a notch by topping them with fresh green onions, adding a refreshing crunch that balances out the rich BBQ flavors. Sprinkling on some sesame seeds brings a nutty crunch that takes these drumsticks to a whole new level of deliciousness.