These BBQ baked chicken drumsticks are the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into real comfort food. The meat is first seasoned and roasted, then coated in a homemade BBQ sauce made with ketchup, honey, soy sauce and spices. The sauce caramelizes in the hot oven, giving the chicken a sticky, flavorful glaze. Serve the drumsticks with a fresh salad or potatoes for an easy family meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks2.2 lb
- Salt and ground black pepperto taste
- Vegetable oil2 tbsp
- For the BBQ sauce:
- Ketchup¾ cup
- Honey2 tbsp
- Soy sauce1 tbsp
- Red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)1 tbsp
- Ground black pepper½ tsp
- Paprika½ tsp
- Dry mustard powder½ tsp
Per serving
Method
- Wash the chicken drumsticks, sprinkle them with salt and ground black pepper to taste, then add the vegetable oil. Mix to coat the meat evenly.
- Transfer the chicken drumsticks to a baking pan and bake in the oven at 375–390°F (190–200°C) for about 1 hour.
- For the BBQ sauce: in a small saucepan, mix together the ketchup, honey, soy sauce, wine vinegar, black pepper, paprika and mustard powder. Place the saucepan on the stove and cook, stirring, just until it comes to a boil, then turn off the heat.
- Take the chicken drumsticks out of the oven and pour the prepared sauce over them. Return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- For serving, you can arrange lettuce leaves on a plate first, then place the drumsticks on top and add a few lemon slices for garnish.
Ingredients for BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks
For this recipe you need simple pantry staples: chicken drumsticks, ketchup, honey, soy sauce, wine vinegar, vegetable oil and a few basic spices. The combination of sweet honey, tangy ketchup and salty soy sauce creates a rich, sticky glaze that coats the chicken. Using drumsticks keeps the meat juicy even after an hour in the oven.
How to Prepare the Chicken
Start by washing and patting the chicken drumsticks dry so the seasoning sticks better. Season them generously with salt and ground black pepper, then add vegetable oil and mix well to coat every piece. This step helps the skin brown nicely in the oven and keeps the meat moist. Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer in your baking pan so they roast evenly.
Baking Time and Oven Temperature
The drumsticks bake at about 375–390°F, which is ideal for rendering the fat and cooking the meat through. An hour in the oven is usually enough for the chicken to become tender and reach a safe internal temperature. If your drumsticks are very large, you can add a few extra minutes. A quick check with a meat thermometer should show at least 165°F at the thickest part.
Making the Homemade BBQ Sauce
While the chicken is baking, you prepare the sauce on the stove. Ketchup, honey, soy sauce, wine vinegar, black pepper, paprika and mustard powder are mixed together and heated just until they start to boil. This brief cooking step helps the flavors blend and slightly thickens the sauce. There is no need to simmer for long; once it bubbles, turn off the heat and it is ready to use.
Coating the Drumsticks in Sauce
When the chicken is almost done, you pour the hot BBQ sauce over the baked drumsticks. The pan goes back into a hotter oven for about 10 minutes so the sauce can caramelize. During this time the sugars in the honey and ketchup thicken and cling to the meat, creating a glossy, sticky layer. This final step gives the drumsticks their classic barbecue look and flavor.
Serving and Garnish Ideas
For a simple presentation, place a few lettuce leaves on a large plate or platter and arrange the drumsticks on top. Add lemon slices around the chicken to bring a fresh contrast to the sweet sauce. You can also sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the drumsticks for extra color. Serve immediately while the meat is still hot and the glaze is slightly sticky.
What to Serve with BBQ Drumsticks
These BBQ baked chicken drumsticks pair well with many side dishes. You can serve them with roasted potatoes, rice, coleslaw or a simple green salad. Corn on the cob, grilled vegetables or garlic bread also make great additions for a casual dinner. Choose sides that can cook in the oven at the same time to keep the meal easy.
Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Chicken
For the best texture, avoid overcrowding the pan so the drumsticks roast instead of steaming. If you have time, you can season the chicken a little earlier and let it sit in the fridge for extra flavor. Lining the baking pan with parchment or foil makes cleanup easier and prevents the sauce from burning on the bottom. Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices redistribute inside the meat.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, you can use bone‑in chicken thighs, but the baking time may change slightly. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F before serving.
Can I marinate the chicken in the sauce ahead of time?
In this recipe the sauce is added at the end, but you can marinate the drumsticks for a few hours in part of the sauce. Keep some sauce separate to pour over the baked chicken so it stays safe and thick.
Can I make the BBQ sauce less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of honey or use a ketchup with less sugar. Adding a little more vinegar also helps balance the sweetness and keeps the sauce tangy.
