Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Introduction
Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a delicious and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a smoky, tangy glaze. This recipe combines a simple barbecue sauce mixture with Italian dressing seasoning for a tasty twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2-2.5 lbs)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (prepared)
- 1 tbsp Italian dressing mix (1/2 envelope Good Seasonings mix)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry. If any skin is torn or pushed down, gently pull it back into place.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing mix, and melted butter until well combined.
- Step 3: Brush each chicken drumstick with the BBQ sauce mixture on all sides. Arrange them evenly spaced on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
- Step 4: Bake for 25 minutes. Then brush an additional coat of sauce on each side, flip the drumsticks so the bottom side is on top, and bake for another 8–12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
- Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Offer extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 2–3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Try using smoked paprika or chipotle powder in the barbecue sauce mix for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Substitute the Italian dressing mix with your favorite spice blend if preferred.
- Serve with coleslaw or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through to keep the skin from getting soggy. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, chicken thighs work great with this recipe. Adjust baking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165˚F.
What if I don’t have Italian dressing mix?
You can substitute with a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder to mimic the flavor.
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Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Total Time: 47 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe offers juicy, flavorful drumsticks coated with a tangy barbecue sauce infused with Italian dressing mix and butter. Baked to perfection in the oven for a crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat inside, these drumsticks make an easy and delicious main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 to 2.5 lbs)
BBQ Sauce Mixture
- 1/2 cup prepared barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian dressing mix (about 1/2 envelope Good Seasons mix)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425˚F. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. If the skin on any drumstick is torn or pushed down, carefully pull it back into place to ensure even cooking.
- Make BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the prepared barbecue sauce, Italian dressing mix, and melted butter. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated for a flavorful glaze.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Using a brush, coat each chicken drumstick thoroughly on all sides with the BBQ sauce mixture. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray, ensuring they are spaced apart evenly.
- Bake Initial Stage: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the skin to start crisping.
- Reapply Sauce and Flip: After 25 minutes, quickly brush another coat of the BBQ sauce mixture onto each drumstick, flipping them so the bottom side is now on top. This helps achieve an even glaze and crisp skin on all sides.
- Continue Baking: Bake for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F, ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Serve warm with optional additional barbecue sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165˚F for food safety.
- Patting the drumsticks dry helps achieve crispy skin.
- You can substitute Italian dressing mix with your favorite dry herb seasoning if unavailable.
- Resting the chicken before serving keeps the meat juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to precisely check for doneness.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider using a smoked BBQ sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks, oven baked chicken, BBQ chicken recipe, easy chicken drumsticks, baked chicken legs, delicious BBQ chicken
