Introduction

Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a delicious and easy weeknight dinner option. With a flavorful glaze of barbecue sauce and Italian dressing mix, these drumsticks come out tender, juicy, and full of smoky goodness.

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2-2.5 lbs)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (prepared)
1 tbsp Italian dressing mix (1/2 envelope Good Seasons mix)
2 tbsp butter (melted)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. If any skin has been torn or pushed down, gently pull it back into place.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together 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 the drumsticks evenly spaced on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven, brush an additional coat of BBQ sauce on all sides, then flip each drumstick to turn the bottom side to the top.
Step 5: Return to the oven and bake for another 8-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Offer extra barbecue sauce for dipping if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy skin, broil the drumsticks for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Swap Italian dressing mix for a homemade blend of dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder if preferred.
Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a smoky or spicy kick.
Serve with coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, to maintain crispiness. Avoid reheating in the microwave to keep the skin from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, this sauce and method work well with chicken thighs or wings too. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the thickness and size of the pieces.

What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Use your favorite prepared barbecue sauce. A smoky or sweet sauce pairs nicely, but feel free to experiment to suit your taste preferences.

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.7 from 90 reviews

This Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe offers a deliciously easy way to enjoy juicy and flavorful chicken with a tangy barbecue glaze. Perfectly baked to tender perfection, these drumsticks are coated with a blend of barbecue sauce, Italian dressing mix, and melted butter, making them a delightful meal for any occasion.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 37 minutes
Total Time: 47 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 chicken drumsticks (about 2–2.5 lbs)

BBQ Sauce Mixture

1/2 cup barbecue sauce (prepared)
1 tbsp Italian dressing mix (1/2 envelope Good Seasonings mix)
2 tbsp butter (melted)

Instructions

Preheat and Prep Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. If any skin is torn or pushed down, gently pull it back into place to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Make BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, Italian dressing mix, and melted butter. Stir the ingredients well until fully incorporated, creating a flavorful glaze.
Brush Chicken with Sauce: Using a brush, coat each chicken drumstick evenly on all sides with the BBQ sauce mixture. Arrange the drumsticks spaced apart on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Bake and Flip: Bake the chicken for 25 minutes in the preheated oven. Then, brush an additional coat of BBQ sauce over each drumstick, flip them so the bottom side is on top, and return to the oven. Continue baking for another 8-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Rest and Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F for safe consumption.
You can use your favorite brand of barbeque sauce or make your own for a personalized flavor.
For crisper skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Leftover BBQ chicken drumsticks can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: BBQ chicken drumsticks, baked chicken, barbecue chicken recipe, easy chicken drumsticks, oven-baked chicken