Name: Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 pounds Chicken drumsticks, about 12; 2 tablespoons Garlic powder; 2 tablespoons Onion powder; 2 tablespoons Chili powder; 2 tablespoons Smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon Ground ginger; 2 teaspoons Salt; 1 teaspoon Pepper; 2 cups Sugar-free BBQ sauce, or low sugar

If you’re anything like me, you know the magic of a simple, delicious dinner that pleases the whole family. That’s exactly why I want to share this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe with you — it’s juicy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. The best part? You can have tender, smoky, finger-licking chicken right from your oven without standing over a grill or mess. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, you’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Prep: Toss the seasonings and chicken together, then let the oven do the rest — minimal hands-on time.
Big Flavor Boost: A blend of smoked paprika, chili, garlic, and ginger gives the chicken that irresistible smoky-sweet BBQ vibe.
Juicy and Tender: Baking at a moderate temperature keeps the meat moist but perfectly cooked.
Family-Friendly: My kids and I all love these drumsticks — they’re finger food done right.

The image shows a close-up of several cooked chicken drumsticks on a metal rack over a white marbled surface. The chicken drumsticks are covered in a shiny, dark reddish-brown sauce that looks sticky and well-cooked, with some areas appearing slightly charred and crispy. The drumsticks have a textured surface with visible spice rubs and grill marks, giving them a rich, appetizing look. The light highlights the glossy sauce, making the chicken look tender and juicy. The background is blurred but maintains the white marbled texture, keeping the focus on the chicken pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, baked chicken drumsticks, BBQ chicken recipe, easy oven chicken, smoky chicken dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

To get the flavors just right, I use a few classic spices along with a sugar-free BBQ sauce that keeps things lighter but still deliciously saucy. The ingredients come together to build a spice-rub base that no one will want to miss.

Flat lay of raw chicken drumsticks with smooth, pale skin arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant deep red BBQ sauce, a small white bowl filled with fine orange-red smoked paprika powder, another small bowl containing light brown garlic powder, a small white bowl with pale beige onion powder, a small bowl of rich reddish-brown chili powder, a small bowl holding pale tan ground ginger, a small white bowl with coarse white salt crystals, a small bowl with whole black peppercorns, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, baked chicken drumsticks, BBQ chicken recipe, easy oven chicken, smoky chicken dinner

Chicken drumsticks: Fresh or thawed, with skin on for maximum flavor and crispiness.
Garlic powder: For that warm, savory note — a kitchen staple.
Onion powder: Adds depth without overpowering the chicken.
Chili powder: A little kick that balances nicely with the sweet BBQ sauce.
Smoked paprika: The secret ingredient to making it feel like real BBQ indoors.
Ground ginger: Adds an unexpected hint of brightness.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning for enhancing all flavors.
Sugar-free BBQ sauce: Perfect for brushing on at the end — go for something low sugar to keep it healthier without sacrificing taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve played around with different spice blends and BBQ sauces to suit what’s in my fridge or our mood that day — and it’s always a hit.

Spicy Variation: I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the dry rub if we want an extra kick — it wakes up the whole flavor profile.
Sweet and Tangy: Swapping the BBQ sauce for a honey BBQ glaze adds sweetness that my kids adore.
Herb Infusion: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mix gives it a fresh, savory twist.
Lower Carb Option: Using sugar-free or low-sugar BBQ sauce keeps carbs down but keeps things saucy and satisfying.
Different Cuts: Tried with chicken thighs or breasts? Works just as well—just adjust bake times accordingly.

How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Season and Marinate Your Drumsticks

First things first, mix up your spice blend right in a big bowl: garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken drumsticks in this aromatic mix and get your hands in there — rub those spices all over until every inch is coated. This hands-on step is where the magic starts. Then, let the drumsticks chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. I sometimes do this step the night before so the flavors really soak in, making the chicken tastier and even juicier.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always line my roasting pan with aluminum foil—it saves me so much cleanup later. Placing the drumsticks on a wire rack inside the pan helps air circulate so the chicken cooks evenly and the skin crisps up beautifully. If you don’t have a wire rack, just arrange the drumsticks directly on the foil-lined pan, spacing them out so they roast, not steam.

Step 3: Bake and Flip for Even Cooking

Pop those drumsticks in the oven and bake them for about 40 to 50 minutes. Around the halfway mark, flip each piece carefully so both sides get that golden brown goodness. I remember my first attempt where I skipped flipping — the bottom ended up less crispy, so don’t skip this step! Your goal is juicy inside, crispy outside.

Step 4: Brush on the BBQ Sauce and Finish Baking

Once the chicken is cooked through, take it out and brush each drumstick generously with your sugar-free BBQ sauce. Then, back in the oven for another 10–15 minutes to let the sauce caramelize. Flip them over halfway through that final bake so each side gets sticky and delicious. This last step really amps up the flavor and gives you that wonderful finger-licking BBQ finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Marinate Overnight: If you have the time, letting the chicken sit overnight makes it insanely flavorful and tender.
Wire Rack Magic: Using a wire rack lets heat circulate around the drumsticks, so the skin crisps up perfectly instead of getting soggy.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your drumsticks reach 165°F for safe, juicy perfection.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give the drumsticks enough space on the pan; crowding traps steam and leads to less crispness.

How to Serve Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over these drumsticks just before serving — it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal lift that balances the smoky BBQ flavors impeccably. Sometimes I also offer lime wedges on the side for a zesty twist.

Side Dishes

To keep things classic, I usually serve these with corn on the cob, creamy coleslaw, and baked sweet potato fries. Honestly, any crisp salad or grilled vegetables go beautifully. One time, I tried a simple garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb crowd, and they loved it!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes arrange the drumsticks on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of different dips — think ranch, blue cheese, and extra BBQ sauce — for some fun DIY finger food vibes. It’s always a conversation starter and super inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let any leftover chicken cool completely, then pop it into a container with a tight-fitting lid. Stored in the fridge, it stays good for up to 5 days. Just be sure to reheat fully before digging back in.

Freezing

If I know I won’t eat the leftovers soon, I wrap each drumstick individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them all in a ziplock freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months without losing their flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I like using the oven at 350°F to revive the crispy skin — about 10-15 minutes does the trick. Microwaving works too, just expect the skin to soften a bit. If you’re short on time, microwaving covered can still yield tasty results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen drumsticks for this Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking. Baking frozen chicken usually results in uneven doneness and longer cook times.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

You can substitute with regular paprika plus a small pinch of ground cumin or chipotle powder if you have it, to help mimic that smoky flavor. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
How do I know when the chicken drumsticks are done?

The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone. Also, the juices should run clear.
Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper in the seasoning rub to suit your heat preference. I usually start small and add more gradually to avoid overpowering the balance of flavors.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheating in the oven at 350°F wrapped loosely in foil keeps the moisture in. Microwaving covered with a damp paper towel can help too, but the skin might lose some crispness.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe has become one of those trusty go-tos in my kitchen that always earns compliments and second helpings. It’s easy to adapt, straightforward to make, and delivers big BBQ flavor without fuss. Give it a try next time you crave that smoky, saucy goodness, and trust me — your family (and you) will thank me for it!