Chicken drumsticks are one of the most flavorful and juicy cuts of chicken. They are easy to cook, especially when baking them in the oven. With a few simple steps and tricks, you can have tender and succulent baked chicken drumsticks with crisp skin and irresistible barbecue flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup bbq seasoning or rub
- 1/4 cup bbq sauce
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Basting brush
Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold running water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Make sure there is no excess moisture on the skin.
Trim off any excess fat or skin. This allows the seasoning to adhere directly to the meat.
Step 2: Apply BBQ Rub
Place the olive oil in a small bowl. Add the bbq seasoning and mix well to create a wet bbq rub.
Use a basting brush to evenly coat each chicken drumstick with the bbq rub, covering all sides. Gently rub the seasoning into the skin.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Arrange the coated drumsticks skin-side up on the foil, spacing them apart so they are not touching.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Bake for 30 minutes. The drumsticks should start turning golden brown.
Remove from oven and carefully flip each drumstick over using tongs. Bake for 15-20 more minutes until the skin is crispy.
Step 5: Apply BBQ Sauce
During the last 5 minutes of baking, brush some bbq sauce evenly over the drumsticks to glaze them.
Put back in the oven for the remainder of the time.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy the juicy, tender chicken drumsticks hot off the oven! Dig into the finger-licking bbq flavor.
Tips
- Slash the skin – Use a sharp knife to cut 3-4 shallow slits across the skin of each drumstick before baking. This helps render the fat and make the skin extra crispy.
- Go skinless – For a healthier option, simply remove the skin before baking. The drumsticks will be just as flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer – Chicken drumsticks are safely cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Add some smoke – For authentic bbq flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika to the seasoning rub. Hickory liquid smoke also works.
- Make a foil tent – If the drumsticks start browning too quickly while baking, loosely cover with foil. Remove it towards the end for crispy skin.
- Brine it first – Soaking the drumsticks in a saltwater brine for 30 mins to an hour makes them extra moist and seasoned.
- Try grilling – For extra smoky flavor, grill the drumsticks over indirect heat after applying the rub. Rotate frequently.
Common FAQs
How long does it take to bake chicken drumsticks?
At 400°F, bone-in chicken drumsticks take 45-50 minutes to bake until completely cooked through and the skin is crispy. Larger drumsticks may take up to 60 minutes.
What temperature should I bake chicken drumsticks at?
The ideal oven temperature for baking chicken drumsticks is 400-425°F. This allows the exterior to turn golden and crispy while the interior cooks fully.
Should I flip the drumsticks while baking?
Yes, flipping the drumsticks halfway through is recommended. This ensures even cooking on both sides for optimum texture.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Chicken thighs can be used instead of drumsticks. Follow the same method. Thighs may need 5-10 minutes extra baking time due to being slightly thicker.
How do I make the skin extra crispy?
Slashing the skin before baking, letting the drumsticks air dry in the fridge uncovered overnight, and baking at a high temp (400°F) all help achieve super crispy skin.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover baked drumsticks?
Simply place the cooked drumsticks on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The skin will recrisp.
Conclusion
Baking chicken drumsticks coated in a delicious homemade bbq rub is an easy weeknight dinner. Allowing the spice mix to penetrate the meat, starting with skin-side up, then flipping halfway, results in finger-licking flavor and texture. The drumsticks turn out juicy on the inside with an irresistible crispy, sticky glazed exterior. Feel free to adjust cooking times based on size. Master this effortless bbq chicken recipe and enjoy the sweet, tangy and smoky flavors of summer anytime.