Oven-Baked Bbq Drumsticks: Chicken Perfection

BBQ chicken drumsticks are a tasty, juicy, and tender treat, perfect for any time of year. They can be made in the oven or on the grill, and are a great, easy option for feeding a family or a crowd. This recipe is a simple one, requiring only a handful of spices, drumsticks, and BBQ sauce. The chicken is marinated and then baked to perfection before being smothered in BBQ sauce and baked again to achieve a crispy texture.

Marinating the chicken drumsticks

The first step to making delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks is to prepare a marinade. This will ensure your chicken is flavourful, juicy and tender.

A simple marinade can be made by mixing together a selection of spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick. Place your chicken drumsticks in a bowl and generously rub the seasoning all over the meat.

For an even quicker option, you can use a store-bought BBQ sauce as your marinade. Place your chicken drumsticks in a shallow dish and brush the BBQ sauce all over the meat.

Once your chicken is coated, cover the bowl or dish with cling film or place the chicken in a sealed container or bag and leave it to marinate in the refrigerator. The longer you leave it, the more tender and flavourful your chicken will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, leave it for 2-8 hours.

While your chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 350-400°F (180-200°C).

Baking the drumsticks

There are a few different ways to bake your BBQ chicken drumsticks, depending on the equipment you have and the time you have available.

If you're using an oven, preheat it to around 400°F (204°C). Place the chicken on a parchment or foil-lined baking sheet and cook for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the chicken drumsticks inside, leaving a little space between each one. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook in batches. Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through, and check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

For a healthier option, you can cook the drumsticks without the skin, or use boneless and skinless chicken breast. You can also look for a low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce.

If you're pressed for time, you can skip marinating the chicken, but for optimum flavour, it's best to leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Tips for baking

• Use a metal rack over a baking sheet to allow even heat and continuous airflow on all sides. This will help prevent soggy skin.
• If you want crispy skin, cook the chicken uncovered.
• For juicy, tender chicken, bake the drumsticks covered with foil and remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking to let the skin crisp up.
• Baking time will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks. You'll know they're done when the juices run clear and a thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165°F (74°C).

Adding the BBQ sauce

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Sauce

Before adding the BBQ sauce to your chicken drumsticks, decide whether you want to use a store-bought option or make your own from scratch. If you opt for a store-bought variety, choose a thick, tomato-based or mustard-based sauce that aligns with your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Some popular options include Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ sauce or a spicy tomato-based sauce with vinegar and sugar.

On the other hand, if you prefer to make your own, you can create a delicious BBQ sauce by whisking together ketchup, vinegar, water, brown sugar, butter, salt, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and chilli powder. You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to suit your taste and achieve the desired consistency.

Step 2: Initial Baking

Once you have prepared or chosen your BBQ sauce, it's time to start the baking process. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature, which is typically around 350-400°F (180-200°C). Line a baking sheet or roasting tin with aluminium foil for easy cleanup. Place the marinated chicken drumsticks on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow even heat distribution.

Bake the chicken drumsticks for around 40 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. This initial baking process will help the chicken cook through and achieve a tender texture.

Step 3: Apply the BBQ Sauce

After the initial baking, it's time to add the BBQ sauce. Remove the drumsticks from the oven and use a brush to generously coat each drumstick with the sauce. Ensure you cover all sides of the drumsticks to get an even coating.

Step 4: Final Baking

Return the sauced drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Again, remember to flip the drumsticks halfway through to prevent them from drying out and to ensure even cooking. This final baking step will allow the BBQ sauce to caramelise and form a sticky, crispy coating on the chicken.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

To ensure your chicken drumsticks are cooked properly, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer near the bone, and ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Additionally, you'll know the drumsticks are done when the juices run clear.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, serve your oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks while they're still hot and crispy. You can pair them with sides like mashed potatoes, seasoned rice, or a simple salad. Don't forget to drizzle any extra BBQ sauce over the drumsticks for added flavour!

Oven temperature and duration

Oven Temperature:

It's important to preheat your oven to the right temperature to ensure even cooking. Most recipes recommend preheating your oven to around 350°F to 400°F (180°C to 200°C). This temperature range is ideal for cooking chicken drumsticks, allowing them to cook through without drying out.

Duration:

The duration of cooking will depend on a few factors, including the size of your chicken drumsticks and your oven's performance. Here's a general guide:

• For smaller drumsticks, aim for a total cooking time of around 40 to 50 minutes.
• For larger drumsticks, expect a cooking time of about an hour or slightly more.

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the cooking process:

• Marinate your chicken drumsticks in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for maximum flavour and tenderness.
• Preheat your oven to the desired temperature (350°F to 400°F or 180°C to 200°C).
• Place the marinated drumsticks on a prepared baking sheet or roasting tin.
• Bake the drumsticks for 20 to 25 minutes, then remove them from the oven and brush with BBQ sauce.
• Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, brushing with more BBQ sauce halfway through.
• Check the doneness of the chicken by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, without touching the bone. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• If desired, finish the drumsticks under the broiler for a few minutes on each side to get a crispy skin.

Remember, these timings are approximate, so it's always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through. Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your oven's performance and the size of your drumsticks.

Serving suggestions

These BBQ chicken drumsticks are a great dish to serve at a family meal or when hosting a crowd. They can be served as an appetiser or a main course, depending on what sides you choose to accompany them.

If you're serving the drumsticks as a main, consider pairing them with some hearty sides. Mashed potatoes are a great option, especially with a drizzle of the BBQ sauce on top. You could also try seasoned rice, corn on the cob, a classic Caesar salad, or lime cilantro rice.

For a lighter meal or appetiser, serve the drumsticks with a fresh spring garden salad or any salad of your choice. Don't forget some delicious breadsticks on the side!

If you're grilling the chicken, you can also offer some grilled sides, like corn on the cob or grilled vegetables.

For a larger crowd, simply double or triple the recipe and ensure there's a little space between each chicken leg on the pan. You may need to work in batches.

Remember to serve the chicken drumsticks while they're still hot, and provide extra barbecue sauce on the side for those who want more!

Frequently asked questions