Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are perfectly seasoned and cooked in barbecue sauce for a dinner the whole family will love.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

These will probably be the easiest baked bbq chicken drumsticks that you will ever make. There are only 4 ingredients needed for this recipe and there’s practically nothing to it. If you can brush bbq sauce on top of chicken and pop it into the oven then you’ve got it down.

Even though it’s super simple it’s also so unbelievably good. The chicken is so juicy and loaded with flavor. My kids even love this recipe and at 5 and 9 they can be super tough critics. That’s why I love to make this recipe. It couldn’t be easier on my end and my family absolutely loves it.

Ingredients

Heres everything you'll need to make this delicious chicken. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.

Chicken Drumsticks- The star of the show! Stays moist and juicy while being cooked.
BBQ Sauce- Adds a smokey, sweet flavor that compliments the chicken so well.
Olive Oil- Helps the chicken cook and the seasoning to stick.
Salt & Pepper- Enhances the flavor of the chicken.

How To Make Them

Heres how to make these delicious drumsticks. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

Preheat the oven to 375°.

Place the chicken down on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil and generously season them with salt and pepper. Rub the oil and seasoning evenly onto the meat. Place them into the center rack of the oven for 40 minutes.

skinless chicken drumsticks on baking sheet

PRO TIP: If you’re having a hard time removing the chicken skin, grab a paper towel and pull the skin away from the meat with that. It will remove it must easier.

Turn the oven up to 425 degrees and brush the drumsticks with a thick layer of BBQ sauce on all sides. Place them back into the oven for 5 minutes. Spread another thick layer of BBQ sauce on all sides and put them into the oven again for another 5 minutes. Let them cool slightly, serve warm and enjoy!

PRO TIP: Let the chicken cool to rest and let that sauce thicken up.

Do I Have To Use Drumsticks?

No, you can use kinless chicken thighs here, too. Chicken breasts would work, also. Just be mindful to adjust cooking times and make sure the internal temperature of the meat is 165°.

What Should I Serve This With?

These drumstick perfectly with a side of rice or my Creamy Macaroni And Cheese. We also like to add a vegetable like Frozen Roasted Green Beans or Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli.

Storage

Let the drumsticks cool completely and place them into a food safe air tight container. They will last in the refrigerator for up to three days.