Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These baked BBQ chicken legs are a simple-to-make dinner that's guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. This recipe combines 4 simple ingredients and transforms them into juicy, smoky, tender chicken smothered in BBQ sauce. It's literally finger-licking good! 

My Take On Baked BBQ Chicken

Once you have your first bite of these juicy BBQ chicken legs, you'll understand why my family's been obsessed with them!

The chicken is lightly seasoned and then baked until the outside is crisp while the inside remains tender. Each one is smothered in BBQ sauce and baked for just a few minutes longer, making for a caramelized exterior and locking in that amazing barbecue flavor.

Ever since I first tried making these baked chicken drumsticks, they've become a weeknight staple in my household. Adults and kids both love them, and I love making them since they're so effortless. I'll usually serve the chicken with this Outback mac and cheese, but it honestly tastes amazing with everything!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Four ingredients. Yup, that's right, you can count the ingredients for this recipe on one hand, and I'm willing to bet you have most of them on hand already!

It's healthy. Since the chicken in this recipe is baked, it's a healthy dinner that's packed with protein.

Restaurant-worthy. If you have your guests do a blind taste test, they'll be convinced you got the best BBQ restaurant in your city to cater!

Ingredients

• Chicken drumsticks- You can use chicken legs or drumsticks for this recipe.
• BBQ sauce- your favorite one! 
• Liquid smoke- for that BBQ pit flavor.
• Salt & pepper- to add a little extra flavor.

How To Make BBQ Chicken Legs

1. Prep. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce of your choice with the liquid smoke and set it aside.

2. Season: Rinse and pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Then arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet and season them with salt and pepper.

3. Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the cooked chicken from the oven and brush it on all sides with the sauce. Return to the oven and continue baking for 10 more minutes. Serve warm with whatever sides you prefer. Enjoy!

My Pro Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Add some seasonings, like onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder, to the sauce if you want more flavor.
• You'll know the chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Broil the drumsticks for the last few minutes of baking for an extra caramelized crust.
• Bake the drumsticks on a wire rack above the prepared baking sheet. That way, the bottom of the drumsticks get nice and crispy.
• Serve with some extra sauce for dipping the chicken.

What Can I Serve With This Recipe?

The chicken tastes amazing with a comfort food side like these great ranch potatoes, cheesy mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or cathead biscuits.

How I Recommend Storing and Reheating Leftovers

In the fridge: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It's awesome for meal prep!

In the freezer: To keep for longer, let the leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 6 months. 

Reheating: I honestly like eating the chicken cold, but you can reheat it if you want. The best way is to put the leftover drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them at 350°F for 10 minutes.

More Of My Favorite Chicken Recipes To Try Next

• Chicken and mashed potatoes
• Crockpot salsa chicken
• Shredded chicken tacos
• Qdoba chicken
• Panko breaded chicken