Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe – Sticky, Juicy, and Oven-Perfect

Note: This recipe was tested and curated by our kitchen team at Cook With Lily

Some days, you just want that bold, smoky BBQ flavor — but without standing outside by the grill or dealing with charcoal and smoke. That’s where these baked BBQ chicken drumsticks come in.

They’re sticky, juicy, and coated in a rich barbecue glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The kind of meal that feels like a summer cookout, even if you’re making it on a random weeknight.

I started making these oven-baked BBQ drumsticks when I realized how often I craved barbecue chicken but didn’t always have the time (or patience) to grill. After a few tweaks, I found the perfect balance — crispy skin, tender meat, and a sauce that clings to every bite. Now, they’re a regular on our dinner table.

What Are Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks?

Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are chicken legs seasoned simply, baked until juicy and tender, then brushed with barbecue sauce and returned to the oven until sticky and caramelized.

Baking them in the oven allows the fat to render slowly, keeping the meat moist while the sauce thickens and intensifies without burning — something that’s tricky on a grill.

They’re easy, mess-free, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Baked BBQ Chicken Recipe

No grill required — oven-baked and hassle-free
Juicy on the inside with sticky, caramelized skin
Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings
Budget-friendly and filling
Easy to customize with your favorite BBQ sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients are all you need to make these flavorful drumsticks.

8–10 chicken drumsticks
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
¾ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)

Optional Add-Ons:

½ tsp chili flakes for heat
1 tbsp honey for extra stickiness
Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks – Step by Step

🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with foil and lightly grease it or place a wire rack on top for crispier skin.

🍗 Step 2: Season the Drumsticks

Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.

In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.

🔥 Step 3: First Bake

Arrange the drumsticks on the baking tray, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.

Pro Tip: Baking first without sauce prevents burning and keeps the meat juicy.

🍯 Step 4: Add the BBQ Sauce

Remove the tray from the oven and generously brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce. If you like extra sweetness, mix a little honey into the sauce before brushing.

🔥 Step 5: Bake Until Sticky

Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, flipping once and brushing with more sauce, until the BBQ glaze is thick, sticky, and caramelized.

Serving Suggestions

These baked BBQ chicken drumsticks pair perfectly with:

Coleslaw or potato salad
French fries or baked potatoes
Corn on the cob
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Fresh green salad

They’re also great for meal prep — leftovers reheat beautifully.

Variations & Flavor Ideas

Want to switch things up? Try these easy variations:

Use spicy BBQ sauce for extra heat
Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for tang
Sprinkle with sesame seeds for texture
Finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes for extra caramelization

Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Drumsticks

Dry the chicken well before seasoning
Don’t add sauce too early — it can burn
Flip the drumsticks for even cooking
Use a wire rack if you want crispier skin

When to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks?

This recipe is perfect for:

Weeknight family dinners
Game nights and casual parties
Meal prep for busy weeks
Picnics and potlucks

It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and always disappears fast.