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These Baked chicken drumsticks are so crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and easy to make. Made with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, it is the perfect chicken recipe to serve your guests all year round.

You will also like my baked BBQ chicken breast recipe served with some crispy baked potato wedges.

one chicken drumstick help up with a tong
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My kids love drumsticks and these BBQ chicken drumsticks are one of their favorite. Whether you choose to bake these chicken drumsticks in the oven or outdoors they will be a huge hit.

The drumsticks are seasoned and marinated with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground ginger, and salt and pepper. They are then baked to perfection before smothering them with BBQ sauce. Baked again to get that perfectly tender on the inside and crispy on the outside drumsticks.

If you want to make BBQ sauce from scratch then check out my homemade BBQ sauce recipe.

Why this drumstick recipe is so good

  • Super easy: Nothing much needed but a handful of spices, drumstick, and BBQ sauce. Simple and easy to put together and let the oven do most of the work!
  • So tasty: the flavors of the spices used coupled with the BBQ will make these drumsticks finger-licking good!
  • Healthy: No oil is needed, you may even take off the skin and cook without it for a healthier option. Look for a low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce too!
side shot of baked drumsticks on a rack

Ingredients for BBQ chicken legs

  • Chicken drumsticks (about 12)
  • Seasonings: Garlic powder, Onion powder, Chili powder, Smoked paprika, Ground, ginger, Salt, and pepper.
  • BBQ sauce: use your favorite store-bought version that can be low in sugar or make your own at home. Not sure how? Check out my post on how to make a homemade BBQ sauce.

How to make BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven

  • Mix the spices together: First, in a mixing bowl, add drumsticks, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, ginger, salt, and pepper.
  • Marinate the chicken: Using your clean hands, generously rub the seasoning all over the drumsticks.
    Refrigerate to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat, for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350F and line a roasting tin with aluminum foil for easy
    cleanup, if desired.
  • Bake the drumsticks: Then, transfer the chicken drumsticks to the prepared roasting tin arranging them on the wire rack with a little space in between. Bake, in the middle of the oven, for 40 minutes, flipping half time.
  • Add the BBQ sauce: When the time is up, remove from the oven and brush each chicken drumstick with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for 10 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and repeat the process once again.
  • Enjoy: Finally, serve immediately and enjoy them!
collage of the steps of making the bbq drumsticks

Recipe notes and tips

  • You may use boneless and skinless chicken breast for a healthier option or chicken thighs.
  • Use your favorite healthy BBQ sauce. You can find some with low-sugar or even sugar-free.
  • Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes. If pressed for time you can skip marinating.
  • Don’t forget to bake again after you add the BBQ sauce to get that extra crisp.
  • Place leftovers in a container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave when ready to eat or you can bake for 10 minutes or so in a preheated 350 oven.
  • You can store in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • The serving size is 2 drumsticks.
close up drumsticks on rack

Common Questions 🥰

How long does it take for drumsticks to cook in the oven?

Depending on the oven, drumsticks will take at minimum 40-50 minutes at 350-400 F to fully bake. Turn it over halfway through at 25-30 minutes and let it continue to bake. You will be able to tell when they look really crispy and tender to the touch of a fork or tongs. Another way to check is by using a food thermometer until it reaches 160 F or then the juices coming out of the chicken are no longer pink.

Are chicken drumsticks healthy?

Chicken is healthier meat compared to red meat/beef. Even though the thighs, wings, and drumsticks aren’t as lean and healthy as the breast, the drumsticks are fairly low in fat and high in protein when cooked without the skin.

Should you pre-cook chicken drumsticks before barbecue?

This is something I prefer not to do if I have the time to just allow the chicken to bake or grill on its own. It is not a bad idea if you want to precook the chicken and later on finish grilling them outdoors to get that smoky charred finish.

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What do you eat with drumsticks

So much you can eat with drumsticks. The options are endless but I have a few ideas for you that you can check out. Try them with:

two drumsticks top view

More easy chicken recipes

top view of side by side drumsticks
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4.95 from 122 votes

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

By: Rena
Servings: 6
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes
hand holding one chicken drumstick over pan with many baked drumsticks
Crispy and tender Chicken drumsticks baked in the oven with a sweet and tangy bbq sauce.

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

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, add drumsticks, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, ginger, salt, and pepper. Using your clean hands, generously rub the seasoning all over the drumsticks.
  • Refrigerate to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat, for at least 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 F and line a roasting tin with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, if desired.
  • Transfer the chicken drumsticks to the prepared roasting tin arranging them on the wire rack with a little space in between.
  • Bake, in the middle of the oven, for 40-50 minutes, flipping half time.
  • When the time is up, remove from the oven and brush each chicken drumstick with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and repeat the process once again.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

The serving size is 2 drumsticks
NOTE: Please note that all ovens are different and some may find that you need to cook the drumsticks for an additional 15-20 minutes. You may also increase the temperature to 400F
Substitutes:
  • You may use chicken breast or thighs
  • Use your favorite healthy BBQ sauce
Storage:
Place leftovers in a container and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave when ready to eat. You can store it in a ziplock bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 522kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 38gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 186mgSodium: 2014mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 3gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 2247IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!

About Rena Awada

Hi, Iโ€™m Rena! Welcome to my blog. I am here to help you prepare delicious, light, fresh meals that your whole family will love!

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4.95 from 122 votes (94 ratings without comment)

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67 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thanks made it and to next time I’ll leave out the ginger or just maybe add smaller amount. This was my first time using Ginger. Thanks I’ll let you know when l redo it again God bless.