Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

There’s something irresistible about juicy, flavorful Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, especially when baked to perfection in the oven. 

These oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines caramelized onions, green onions, and bell peppers with your favorite sweet barbecue sauce.

Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving some good old-fashioned comfort food, this oven-baked BBQ drumstick recipe will hit the spot. The best part? If you happen to have leftovers, they taste even better the next day. 

This is an easy and convenient meal anyone can make any day of the week.  Our method is straightforward, and the result will leave you with a tender, juicy chicken drumstick that you can pair with your favorite skin-on mashed potatoes and air fryer asparagus.  

Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These Oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are simply chicken legs that are twice baked in the oven and then submerged in a rich bold barbecue sauce. The process involves seasoning the chicken drumsticks with our Jacmel seasoning blend, then transferring them to the preheated oven at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes, covered.  

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make: No fancy equipment is needed—just an oven and a baking dish! The oven makes it easy for you to be hands-off while you focus on developing the other flavors. 

Budget-Friendly: Chicken drumsticks are generally less expensive than other cuts of chicken, making this a budget-friendly meal option.

This recipe is packed with bold flavor: A delicious blend of our Savory Thoughts spice and your favorite storebought or homemade BBQ sauce gives these drumsticks a rich flavor.

Tender & Juicy: The drumsticks are baked to perfection and have the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness.

This recipe serves well for any occasion: If you are someone who loves to host, you’ll appreciate this recipe as it is great for party dinners, summer cookouts, potlucks, or game-day gatherings. The combination of savory spices and sweet as well as the (smoky) BBQ sauce creates a flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. You can also customize the flavor by using different types of BBQ sauce, from sweet and tangy to spicy and smoky.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the chicken drumsticks: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Wash then pat the drumsticks dry with a clean kitchen towel. Then make a slit on the drumstick with a knife so that the seasoning can fully be embedded into the meat. 

Season the meat with 1 tablespoon of Jacmel seasoning blend and 1 tablespoon of salt. Set aside and allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. When ready to cook, transfer the meat to the baking dish and add the marinated liquid on top of the meat. Cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake for about 25 minutes at 425°F.

Make The Sauce: In a large Dutch oven or braiser over medium heat, bring the oil to a heated temperature. Then add the sliced onions, green onions, and bell peppers. Sautee for about 45 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally, then add the remaining Jacmel seasoning blend along with the Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine. 

Reduce the heat to low, then add the BBQ sauce. Allow to simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the sauce from the heat. 

Coat the chicken drumsticks with BBQ Sauce: After 25 minutes, reduce the temperature to 400°F. Remove the drumsticks from the oven and transfer them into the BBQ sauce. Coat the chicken legs well with the sauce on all sides. Cover the meat and return the meat to the oven for about 30-35 minutes or until fully cooked. Be sure to flip the chicken legs halfway through for even cooking. Continue to keep the chicken covered while cooking so that it retains its moisture.

For caramelization, remove the lid and broil the drumsticks for 2–3 minutes at the end— just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Pairing Suggestions

The oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal.

• Classic BBQ Sides: Corn on the cob or Mexican Corn will work well with this dish. Coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and classic stovetop macaroni and cheese, or this Haitian-style macaroni and Cheese are all classic BBQ sides that complement the flavors of the chicken.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and potatoes add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
• Grains: Rice, quinoa, and couscous are great options for adding a hearty and filling component to the meal.
• Bread: Jalapeño Cornbread, biscuits, and garlic bread are all delicious accompaniments to BBQ chicken.

Storing Suggestions

Leftover oven baked BBQ chicken drumsticks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, allow the chicken to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Reheat the chicken either microwave it or bake it in the oven. If microwaving, heat the chicken until it’s warmed through. If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes or until it’s heated through.

Oven-baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a yummy and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their flavorful combination of savory spices and sweet BBQ sauce, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.

Tips for the Best Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Choose a Good BBQ Sauce: Feel free to aim for a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce.  

Don’t Skip Drying the Chicken: Patting the drumsticks dry helps them reduce the liquid and the seasoning will stick to the meat better. 

Broil at the End: If you are looking for a sticky, caramelized texture, you can achieve it by broiling the surface of the chicken legs for a couple of minutes at the very end of the cooking process.

Retain Juice: Allowing the drumsticks to cook while covered to lock in all the flavors and liquid! 

More BBQ Dishes & Sauces You’ll Enjoy

Homemade Vegan BBQ Sauce

Fall of the Bone Instant Pot Ribs

Smoked Chicken Thighs

Sticky Air Fryer Drumsticks

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