Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Chicken drumsticks: These are the main protein for the dish, providing a juicy and flavorful base.

BBQ sauce: This adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken, creating a delicious glaze.

Olive oil: Used to lightly grease the baking sheet, preventing the chicken from sticking.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

To achieve perfectly crispy chicken drumsticks, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the olive oil and seasonings to adhere better and create a more flavorful crust. Additionally, when applying the bbq sauce, use a basting brush to ensure an even coat, and consider flipping the drumsticks halfway through the second baking period for an all-around caramelized finish.

• Chicken drumsticks - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a great alternative.

• Chicken drumsticks - Substitute with turkey drumsticks: Turkey drumsticks are larger but offer a similar taste and can be cooked in the same manner.

• BBQ sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that complements baked chicken well.

• BBQ sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard offers a tangy and sweet flavor that pairs nicely with baked chicken.

• Olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a suitable replacement.

• Olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, perfect for baking.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral flavor.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor but still adds the necessary heat and spice.

• Black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick and can be used in smaller quantities for a similar effect.

• Allow the chicken drumsticks to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Place the cooled drumsticks in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.
• For longer storage, wrap each drumstick individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their flavor and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat the drumsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
• For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave on medium power, but be aware this may result in a less crispy texture.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the drumsticks with another piece of foil to keep them moist.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. For a crispier skin, remove the top foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the chicken drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to prevent drying out.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Turn occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
  4. If the bbq sauce starts to stick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Check to make sure the chicken is heated through and the bbq sauce is caramelized.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks on the grill, turning occasionally.
  3. Grill for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the bbq sauce is slightly charred.
  4. Brush with additional bbq sauce if desired for extra flavor.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken drumsticks at the specified temperature.

• Baking sheet: Holds the chicken drumsticks while they bake in the oven.

• Aluminum foil: Lines the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Brush: Used to apply the BBQ sauce evenly on the chicken drumsticks.

• Tongs: Helps in handling the chicken drumsticks without burning your hands.

• Measuring cup: Measures the correct amount of BBQ sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Measures the olive oil, salt, and black pepper accurately.

• Small bowl: Holds the olive oil for greasing the aluminum foil.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when placing and removing the baking sheet from the oven.

Marinate in advance: Season the chicken drumsticks with salt and black pepper the night before to save time on prep day.

Use pre-made sauce: Opt for a store-bought bbq sauce to cut down on preparation time.

Line and grease the pan: Prepare the baking sheet with aluminum foil and olive oil ahead of time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the chicken to save time.