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An overhead picture of Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks on a white platter.
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Baked BBQ Drumsticks in Oven

These Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are an easy recipe that you can make without firing up the grill.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, chicken recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Brining Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450kcal
Author Jillian Wade
Cost $9.08

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • wire rack
  • baking sheet
  • tongs
  • pastry brush

Ingredients

QUICK BRINE:

  • 4 cups water
  • 2 Tablespoons salt
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch

CHICKEN:

  • 4 pounds chicken drumsticks trimmed

CHICKEN AND RUB:

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

BBQ SAUCE:

  • 1 ¼ cup BBQ sauce I used Sweet Baby Ray's
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

BRINE CHICKEN:

  • In a large bowl, combine water, salt, and cornstarch. Add chicken, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15 minutes, but no longer than an hour.

PREP BAKING SHEET & OVEN:

  • Set wire rack in an aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and coat with vegetable oil spray.
  • Move the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 425°F.

MAKE RUB:

  • In a small bowl, combine paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.

PREP CHICKEN:

  • Remove the chicken from the brine and place it on a clean cutting board. Quickly dry the chicken with a paper towel.
  • Cover the chicken pieces with the rub and transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.

BAKE CHICKEN:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, using tongs, turn the chicken over and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

BROIL CHICKEN:

  • Adjust the oven rack to 6 inches from the broiler and heat the broiler. Broil the chicken until lightly charred, about 5-10 minutes, flipping it halfway through.
  • Brush the chicken with one-third of the sauce and continue to broil until lightly charred, about 5 minutes. Flip and brush the chicken with more sauce. Brush the chicken with the halfway through remaining sauce. Serve.

Video

Notes

Storage Tips

SERVE: The drumsticks can be kept at room temperature for about 2 hours before they need to be refrigerated. 
STORE: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a lightly baking dish and heat in a 325-degrees F oven for 10-20 minutes or until heated through. 
FREEZE: You can freeze these drumsticks; just don't put the final slathering of BBQ sauce on them. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 2drumsticks | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 3567mg | Potassium: 643mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 1197IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 2mg