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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

When you want the smoky, sweet taste of barbecued chicken but don’t want to use the grill, try oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks. They are the perfect solution.

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Are you craving something crispy yet juicy and smokey? Then, try our oven-baked BBQ chicken legs. A simple yet flavourful recipe that brings the taste of summer to your kitchen without needing a grill!

It has just the right balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. These drumsticks will satisfy your taste buds while keeping cleanup simple.

Also, the oven-baking method will give you tender, juicy meat with a beautifully caramelized crust.

Crispy Skin, Juicy Chicken Legs

Oven-baked doesn’t have to mean soggy skin. Placing a wire rack on top of a lined baking sheet allows air to circulate around the chicken, helping it crisp up beautifully.

Also, the chicken drumsticks are baked at a high temperature, which gives it a crisp outside while maintaining the meat’s juice and inner tenderness.

While I have written about different ways to enjoy your chicken legs, such as making Crispy Airfryer Fried Chicken Drumsticks and Airfryer chicken drumsticks. Another way to enjoy your chicken legs is by making them into oven-baked BBQ Chicken legs without grilling.

This recipe is also easy to customize. You can tweak the sweetness or the spice level of your BBQ sauce to suit your family’s preferences. If you enjoy an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also swap out apple juice for pineapple juice to explore new flavor combinations.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

The sauce I used in this recipe is very simple but delicious. It includes everyday pantry items like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, and onion powder. This creates a well-rounded flavor profile that is tangy, sweet, and slightly smoky.

The apple juice adds a subtle fruity note, while brown sugar provides the perfect sweetness to caramelize under high heat.

To take your drumsticks to the next level, let them marinate for at least one hour. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the deeper those BBQ flavors penetrate. If you have time, marinating overnight will make the meat even more tender and flavorful.

I have also written specifically about how to make my all-purpose barbecue sauce in just a few steps.

Ingredients for your Oven-baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ Sauce:

  • Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity, which balances out the sweetness of the sauce and acts as a natural preservative for your homemade BBQ sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, savory umami flavor which enhances the overall taste of the sauce, giving it depth.
  • Ketchup: Adds a flavorful base for your sauce. You can also use tomato sauce as an alternative.
  • Brown sugar: Balances the acidity in the sauce and allows the caramelization of your meat.
  • Mustard powder: Provides a zesty kick to your BBQ Sauce.
  • Onion powder: Adds a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
  • Salt: enhances the flavor of the sauce.
  • Fresh black pepper: Provides a subtle spiciness and sharpness that balances sweetness and acidity, giving the sauce a savory, well-rounded kick.
  • Apple juice: Adds natural sweetness and mild fruitiness to your BBQ sauce.

Chicken:

  • Chicken drumsticks: Its bone-in structure helps retain moisture, while the meat absorbs all the flavors of the BBQ sauce.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of your chicken and draws moisture from the chicken skin.
  • Pepper to taste: Contributes a mild spiciness that complements the smoky, tangy flavors of the sauce, giving the chicken a well-rounded, zesty kick.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro: Both herbs add a burst of color and flavor that contrasts nicely with the smoky, tangy BBQ sauce. 
  • Lemon wedges: Balances the sweetness of the sauce, giving the dish a well-rounded, tangy finish.

How to Make Oven-baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up. Rub the salt and pepper evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated. Set aside.
  2. Add all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a large bowl and mix well to combine.
  3. Spoon half of the BBQ sauce into a large Ziplock bag. Add the chicken legs to the bag. Shake the bag until the chicken is well coated. Place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to marinate.
  4. When ready, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and set a wire rack over the baking sheet. This allows for even cooking and crispy skin.
  5. Place the drumsticks on the wire rack brush with any leftover marinade in the bag. Bake for about 20 minutes. Flip the chicken over. Spoon and brush more marinade on it. Bake for another 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Change to broiler/grill on high. Spoon and brush more sauce over the chicken. Place it under the grill or broiler for 2-3 minutes. This will give it a crispy, sticky finish. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
  7. Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I balance the sweetness in my BBQ sauce?

If your BBQ sauce is too sweet, add more vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavor. If it’s too tangy or sour, increase the sugar or honey. Tasting and adjusting as you go is key to achieving the right balance.

Can BBQ sauce be used as a marinade?

Yes, BBQ sauce can be used as a marinade, but it’s best to use it on meats for a short period (1-2 hours) before cooking. The sugar in the sauce may burn if left on for too long, so I recommend applying it towards the end of cooking or after grilling.

Should I flip the chicken legs while baking?

You can flip the chicken legs halfway through baking (after 20-25 minutes). This ensures an even cooking and uniform crispiness.

Can I use frozen chicken legs for oven-baked BBQ chicken?

You can bake frozen chicken legs, but they will require extra time. Bake at the same temperature (400°F) but increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How to know when the Chicken leg is done

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The cooking time melts connective tissue, making the meat fall-off-the-bone tender.

Why are my BBQ chicken legs soggy?

This happens when there’s excess moisture on the skin before baking. To avoid your chicken legs getting soggy, ensure you pat them dry before baking, avoid overcrowding your rack, and use a wire rack, which would prevent your chicken from sitting in its juice and ensure the crispiness you desire.

Tips on making your Oven-baked BBQ Chicken Legs

  1. Seasoning the chicken legs generously enhances the flavor and creates a flavorful crust.
  2.  If you have time, marinate the chicken legs for at least 30 minutes or overnight) in your refrigerator.
  3. Use a wire rack over the baking sheet instead of a baking pan to bake in order to allow hot air to circulate around the chicken legs, which ensures cooking and crisping of the skin on all sides
  4. Give the chicken 5 minutes to rest after baking. This locks in the juices and prevents dryness.

Tips for making the BBQ Sauce

  1. If you use tomato sauce instead of ketchup in making your BBQ Sauce, you may want to add a little water or broth to thin it out since tomato paste is thicker than ketchup.
  2. If you want to keep your BBQ sauce longer, you can store it in an airtight container in a freezer for up to 3 months.
  3. If you are grilling, apply BBQ sauce in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sugar in the sauce, and be sure to pat them dry before baking to avoid excess moisture that can prevent the skin from crisping.

How to pair Oven-baked BBQ Chicken Legs for Serving

Here are some delicious ideas:

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

Oven Baked BBQ chicken legs

Are you craving something crispy yet juicy and smokey? Then, try your hands on oven-baked BBQ chicken legs. A simple yet flavourful recipe that brings the taste of summer to your kitchen without needing a grill!
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 Drumsticks
Calories: 150.1kcal

Ingredients

BBq sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 4 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tsp mustard powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper fresh
  • 1 cup apple juice

Chicken:

  • 10-12 chicken drumsticks
  • salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh Parsley or cilantro chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up. Rub the salt and pepper evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated. Set aside.
  • Add all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a large bowl and mix well to combine.
  • Spoon half of the BBQ sauce into a large Ziplock bag. Add the chicken legs to the bag. Shake the bag until the chicken is well coated. Place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour to marinate.
  • When ready, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup, and set a wire rack over the baking sheet. This allows for even cooking and crispy skin.
  • Place the drumsticks on the wire rack brush with any leftover marinade in the bag. Bake for about 20 minutes. Flip the chicken over. Spoon and brush more marinade on it. Bake for another 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Change to broiler/grill on high. Spoon and brush more sauce over the chicken. Place it under the grill or broiler for 2-3 minutes. This will give it a crispy, sticky finish. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
  • Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 150.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.5g | Protein: 11.5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 362.6mg | Potassium: 241.6mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 10.3g | Vitamin A: 133.2IU | Vitamin C: 1.2mg | Calcium: 18.3mg | Iron: 0.6mg

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