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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/baked-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe/