Introduction

Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner option. With a tangy barbecue sauce enhanced by Italian dressing and butter, these drumsticks turn out juicy with a delicious caramelized glaze. Perfect for a simple meal or a casual gathering.

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2-2.5 lbs)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (prepared)
1 tbsp Italian dressing mix (1/2 envelope Good Seasonings mix)
2 tbsp butter (melted)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. If any skin is torn or pushed down, carefully pull it back into place.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing mix, and melted butter until well combined.
Step 3: Brush each chicken drumstick with the BBQ sauce mixture on all sides. Arrange them evenly spaced on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
Step 4: Bake for 25 minutes. Then brush an additional coat of BBQ sauce on each side, flip the drumsticks so the bottom side is on top, and bake for another 8-12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Offer extra barbecue sauce for dipping if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Substitute Italian dressing mix with your favorite dry herb seasoning if preferred.
Use homemade barbecue sauce for a personalized flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350˚F for about 10-15 minutes to retain crispness, or microwave briefly until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other parts of the chicken for this recipe?

Yes, this sauce and method work well with chicken thighs or wings. Adjust cooking time as needed based on the size and thickness of the pieces.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165˚F in the thickest part of the drumstick. The juices should also run clear.

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.7 from 134 reviews

This delicious Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe features tender, juicy drumsticks coated in a flavorful barbecue sauce mixed with Italian dressing and butter, baked to perfection for a crispy skin and mouthwatering taste. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, these drumsticks deliver classic BBQ flavor with minimal effort and no grilling required.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 33-37 minutes
Total Time: 43-47 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2–2.5 lbs)

BBQ Sauce Mixture

1/2 cup prepared barbecue sauce
1 tbsp Italian dressing mix (equivalent to 1/2 envelope Good Seasonings mix)
2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C). Pat the chicken drumsticks dry thoroughly with paper towels. If any skin is torn or pushed down, carefully pull it back into place to ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
Make the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing mix, and melted butter. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed to create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
Coat Chicken with Sauce: Using a brush, coat each chicken drumstick evenly on all sides with the BBQ sauce mixture. Arrange the drumsticks spaced evenly on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Bake and Reapply Sauce: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken for 25 minutes. Then, quickly brush an additional layer of the BBQ sauce mixture onto each drumstick, flip them so the bottom side is on top, and bake for an additional 8-12 minutes. Continue baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This rest time helps juices redistribute, keeping the drumsticks moist. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F for food safety.
You can use your favorite barbecue sauce flavor to customize the taste.
For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking if desired, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: BBQ chicken drumsticks, baked chicken, barbecue chicken recipe, easy chicken drumsticks, oven baked BBQ