Juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious, this Baked BBQ Chicken recipe delivers tender drumsticks coated in a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. Seasoned with a simple yet bold spice blend featuring garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and olive oil, the chicken is first baked to lock in all its natural juices. A generous slathering of your favorite BBQ sauce adds a sticky, finger-licking-good finish, with the option to broil for that irresistible charred effect. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this easy 1-hour recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw or buttery cornbread. Whether you're craving comfort food or hosting a crowd, this oven-baked BBQ chicken will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to make a marinade.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This initial bake will get the chicken started and allow the skin to crisp up slightly.
Remove the chicken from the oven and carefully brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce, making sure to coat all sides.
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the BBQ sauce is caramelized and sticky.
If desired, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve a nice charred effect on the sauce.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the baked BBQ chicken with your choice of sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or roasted vegetables. Enjoy!
Calories |
2239 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.0 g | 131% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.2 g | 126% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 4381 mg | 190% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 137.9 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 116.5 g | ||
| Protein | 193.5 g | 387% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 410 mg | 32% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 2932 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.