Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
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
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
- 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