There’s something irresistible about tender chicken drumsticks coated in sticky, smoky-sweet barbecue sauce.

This baked BBQ chicken is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and always a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The chicken is juicy on the inside with perfectly caramelized skin.

Simple pantry spices and BBQ sauce do all the work.

It’s baked in the oven, so no need to fire up the grill.

You can customize it with your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Chicken drumsticks are flavorful, affordable, and bake beautifully.

Paprika adds color and a mild smokiness.

Olive oil helps the skin crisp while baking.

Barbecue sauce gives the chicken its bold, sticky glaze.

Salt and pepper season the meat simply and effectively.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Dry brine the chicken for several hours to make it extra juicy and flavorful.

Pat the chicken dry before baking—this is key for crispy skin.

Bake skin-side down first so the chicken cooks evenly before glazing.

Apply BBQ sauce in layers while baking for the best sticky coating.

How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken

Step 1 – Prep the chicken

Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.

Season all over with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2 – Bake the chicken

Brush with olive oil. Place skin-side-down on a lined baking sheet.

Bake at 400°F for 26 minutes.

Step 3 – Add the first BBQ glaze

Remove chicken, dab on BBQ sauce, flip to skin-side-up, and baste again. Bake 8 minutes.

Step 4 – Repeat the glazing

Baste again, bake for 8 minutes.

Baste a third time, bake another 8 minutes.

Step 5 – Optional broil

Broil briefly at 425°F to crisp the skin further, watching carefully.

Step 6 – Rest and serve

Let chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

What to Serve Them With

Pair with baked beans or coleslaw for a backyard-style meal.

Serve with cornbread and potato salad for a Southern-inspired dinner.

Keep it light with grilled veggies or a crisp garden salad.

Variations / Substitutions

Swap drumsticks for chicken thighs or bone-in breasts (adjust baking time).

Use a spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat.

Try a honey BBQ sauce if you prefer a sweeter glaze.

Storage & Leftovers

Store cooled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture.

Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this with boneless chicken?
Yes, but reduce the baking time as boneless pieces cook faster.

Do I need to dry brine the chicken?
It’s optional, but it makes the chicken juicier and the skin crispier.

Can I use homemade BBQ sauce?
Absolutely—use your favorite recipe or bottled brand.

Why bake skin-side-down first?
It ensures the meat cooks evenly before crisping the skin with sauce.

Can I grill instead of baking?
Yes, grill over medium heat, turning and basting until cooked through.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part.

Final Thoughts

This baked BBQ chicken is an easy, foolproof way to get that backyard BBQ flavor right from your oven.

With juicy meat, crispy skin, and a sticky-sweet glaze, it’s a recipe you’ll want on repeat.