Tangy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe | How to Cook Them So Good?

June 30, 2025

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Get ready to sink your teeth into these irresistibly tangy BBQ chicken drumsticks! This recipe is your ticket to a flavor-packed meal that’s surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a summer barbecue, or a game-day feast, these drumsticks are baked to crispy perfection and slathered in a sweet and tangy sauce.

With a quick prep time and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish on the table in under an hour. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory spices and bold BBQ flavor in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on these amazing drumsticks.

1.5 pounds chicken drumsticks
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1.5 cups barbeque sauce

How to Cook Tangy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks?

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked chicken drumsticks.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken drumsticks and toss them until they are evenly coated with the spice mixture. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: First Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake helps to cook the chicken through and get the skin nice and crispy.

Step 3: Sauce and Continue Baking

After 20 minutes, remove the drumsticks from the oven and generously brush them with your favorite BBQ sauce. Return them to the oven and bake for another 7-8 minutes. Then, flip the drumsticks, brush the other side with more BBQ sauce, and bake for an additional 7-8 minutes.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

For that extra-charred, straight-from-the-grill flavor, turn on your oven’s broiler and place the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Brush the drumsticks with one last layer of BBQ sauce and broil for 3-4 minutes. Flip them, sauce them one more time, and broil for another 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized.

Your Burning Questions Answered

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The safest way to tell if chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick, without touching the bone. The juices should also run clear.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with other chicken parts like thighs, wings, or even chicken breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the cut.

Can I make these on the grill?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for the grill. Grill the chicken over indirect medium heat for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally. Then, move the chicken to direct heat, brush with BBQ sauce, and grill for another 5-10 minutes, turning and basting until cooked through.

How can I make the sauce from scratch?

A simple homemade BBQ sauce can be made by combining ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and some spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. Simmer the ingredients in a saucepan for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Pro Tips for the Best Drumsticks

For an extra layer of flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spice rub for at least 30 minutes before baking. If you have the time, letting it marinate for a few hours in the refrigerator will result in even more tender and flavorful chicken. Also, don’t be shy with the BBQ sauce – the more the merrier for that sticky, delicious coating!