Introduction

Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a simple and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. This recipe combines tangy barbecue sauce with Italian seasonings and butter to create juicy, flavorful chicken with a tender, crispy skin.

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2-2.5 lbs)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (prepared)
1 tbsp Italian dressing mix (1/2 envelope Good Seasons mix)
2 tbsp butter (melted)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. If the skin has been torn or pushed down, gently pull it back into place to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing mix, and melted butter until well mixed.
Step 3: Brush each drumstick with the BBQ sauce mixture on all sides. Arrange them evenly spaced on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the sheet, quickly brush another coat of BBQ sauce on each side of the drumsticks, and flip them so the bottom side is on top.
Step 5: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, use a smoky or hickory-flavored barbecue sauce.
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture will give the chicken a spicy kick.
To keep the skin crispy, avoid covering the drumsticks while baking.
Serve with coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the skin soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen drumsticks for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken drumsticks to ensure even cooking and proper internal temperature. If using frozen drumsticks, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before preparing.

What can I substitute for Italian dressing mix?

If you don’t have Italian dressing mix, you can make a simple blend of dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and sugar as a substitute.

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.9 from 139 reviews

This delicious Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe features tender, juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a flavorful barbecue sauce infused with Italian dressing mix and butter, baked to perfection in the oven for a crispy, saucy finish.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 37 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Yield: 8 servings (1 drumstick per serving) 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2–2.5 lbs)

Sauce Mixture

1/2 cup barbecue sauce (prepared)
1 tbsp Italian dressing mix (approximately 1/2 envelope Good Seasonings mix)
2 tbsp butter (melted)

Instructions

Preheat and Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry thoroughly with paper towels. If the skin is torn or pushed down, gently pull it back to its original position to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing mix, and melted butter. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
Coat the Chicken: Using a basting brush, brush each chicken drumstick generously on all sides with the BBQ sauce mixture. Arrange the coated drumsticks evenly spaced on a baking sheet sprayed lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
First Bake and Recoat: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the baking sheet, brush another layer of the BBQ sauce mixture over all sides of the drumsticks, then flip each chicken piece so the bottom side is now on top. This step helps caramelize the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
Finish Baking: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, or until an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick reads 165˚F, ensuring the chicken is safely cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Once done, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes

If you prefer a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce mixture.
Use a thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165˚F.
For crispier skin, broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Keywords: BBQ chicken, baked chicken drumsticks, barbecue sauce chicken, easy dinner recipes, oven-baked chicken