baked bbq chicken drumsticks
If you’re craving somthing flavorful, easy, and packed with flavour, then you’re in for a treat with these baked BBQ chicken drumsticks! I love how they turn out sweet, tangy, and super juicy, making them a hit at any meal.Ready to learn how to make these tasty drumsticks that will have everyone asking for seconds? let’s dive in!
simple Ingredients for Delicious Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
When it comes to making baked BBQ chicken drumsticks, you don’t need a ton of complicated ingredients. Here’s a straightforward list that will help you whip up this savory dish in no time. Gather these essentials before we get started:
- 1½ pounds chicken drumsticks: The star of our show! Look for fresh, plump drumsticks for the best flavor.
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil: This adds healthy fat and helps with crispy skin.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in our tasty marinade.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: A little spice goes a long way.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a lovely color and a hint of smokiness.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: For that savory depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and adds sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: just enough kick to take the flavor up a notch.
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand like Sweet Baby Ray’s,or go homemade for an extra touch!
Feel free to adjust the amount of BBQ sauce based on your preference. the beauty of this recipe is that you can make it your own. Let’s move on to the fun part—cooking!
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into cooking these delicious baked BBQ chicken drumsticks. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal to enjoy:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that our chicken cooks evenly and gets that stunning golden brown color.
- Prepare the Baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. This will catch any drips and keep your oven tidy.
- Mix the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk these together until you have a nice little marinade.
- Coat the Drumsticks: Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl. Toss them until they’re well-coated in the marinade, ensuring each piece is flavorful.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This initial baking sets the stage for all that BBQ goodness.
- Add the BBQ Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and brush on a generous layer of BBQ sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 7-8 minutes.
- Flip and Sauce Again: Take them out, flip the drumsticks, and add another layer of BBQ sauce. Bake for an additional 7-8 minutes.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: move the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and switch on the broiler. Brush the drumsticks with more BBQ sauce and broil for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are juicy and caramelized.
- Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is done. It should read at least 165°F (74°C) near the bone.
And there you have it! Delicious, perfectly baked BBQ chicken drumsticks ready to impress. Enjoy them straight from the oven or serve them with your favorite sides.
Serving and Storage Tips for Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Once your baked BBQ chicken drumsticks emerge from the oven, it’s time to serve them up right! These delicious drumsticks can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a fantastic meal option for any occasion.
Serving Suggestions:
- Plate them Up: Serve the drumsticks straight from the oven, ideally alongside crispy sides like fries or corn on the cob.
- Dipping Sauces: Enhance the flavor with some tasty dipping options. I recommend pairing them with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a tangy homemade sauce made from mayonnaise, yogurt, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Garnish: Fresh herbs,like parsley or cilantro,can add a pop of color and freshness on top.
- Heat it Up: If your guests enjoy a kick, provide extra hot sauce or a spicier BBQ sauce on the side.
Storage Information:
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it can happen!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Cool Down: Allow the drumsticks to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigerate: Place them in an airtight container. They will last for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken drumsticks. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap,then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to three months.
To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. If you want them to be crispy again, you can broil them for a couple of minutes at the end.
Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Cooking should be fun,and I’m here to help you troubleshoot any hiccups along the way! Here are some helpful notes and tips for making the best baked BBQ chicken drumsticks.
Key Notes:
- Marinating Time: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the seasoning and olive oil for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This will enhance the taste!
- BBQ Sauce Choice: The type of BBQ sauce you use can considerably change the dish’s flavor. Experiment with different brands or homemade recipes to find your favorite.
- Crispiness Factor: If you prefer extra crispy skin,make sure to pat the drumsticks dry before coating them with the seasoning. This helps to achieve that perfect crunch.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Chicken not Cooking Evenly: If you find that some drumsticks are undercooked, make sure they are all the same size when placing them on the baking sheet. You might also want to rotate the pan halfway through cooking.
- Sauce Too Thick: if your BBQ sauce is thick and not spreading well, you can thin it out with a small amount of water or apple cider vinegar.
- Sticking to the Pan: To prevent the drumsticks from sticking, ensure the baking sheet is properly lined and the chicken is well-coated in oil.
These tips should set you up for success in making mouthwatering, baked BBQ chicken drumsticks. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!