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- Chicken Drumsticks: 10 pieces - Dry Seasonings: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Condiments: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) - Garnish: - Fresh parsley, chopped These ingredients make a simple yet delicious meal. The chicken drumsticks are the star of the show. They are juicy and tasty, especially when baked. The dry seasonings add depth and flavor. Smoked paprika gives a nice touch of smokiness. Olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist. For barbecue sauce, you can choose any brand you like. A homemade sauce can also work well, giving you full control over the flavors. You can even adjust the sweetness or heat level to your taste. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a burst of freshness. This simple addition makes your dish look more appealing. Remember, good food needs to look good too! If you're ready to try this recipe, check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions. Enjoy your cooking! 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat helps the chicken cook well. 2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. This step makes cleaning easier later. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet. This allows air to flow around the chicken. 3. In a large bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper. If you love heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir until you have a smooth marinade. 4. Add the 10 chicken drumsticks to the bowl. Make sure each drumstick is fully coated in the marinade. You can let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. 1. Once marinated, place the drumsticks on the wire rack. Space them apart so they cook evenly. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This initial time helps cook the chicken through. 3. After 25 minutes, take the drumsticks out and brush them with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Make sure to coat them well. 4. Return the drumsticks to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sauce should be caramelized and sticky. 1. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a drumstick. 2. Ensure it reads 165°F (75°C). This temperature is safe for chicken and ensures it's fully cooked. If it’s not ready, bake a bit longer and check again. For the best taste, I suggest marinating your chicken drumsticks for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them sit for up to 4 hours in the fridge. This makes a big difference in flavor. To get that crispy skin, place the drumsticks on a wire rack. This allows hot air to flow around them as they bake. The result? A perfect crunch! One common mistake is overcrowding the baking tray. If the drumsticks are too close, they won’t cook evenly. Give them space! Another mistake is not checking for doneness. Always use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. These drumsticks pair well with many sides. Try serving them with coleslaw for a crunchy bite. Mashed potatoes also make a great match. For something lighter, a fresh salad works well too. And don’t forget some cornbread; it’s a classic choice! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your drumsticks by using different sauces. A honey barbecue sauce adds sweetness. A mustard-based sauce gives a tangy kick. You can also try a spicy chipotle sauce for some heat. Each sauce brings out new flavors in the chicken. Experimenting with sauces lets you find your favorite! Adjusting the heat of your drumsticks is easy. You can add more cayenne pepper for extra spice. If you want less heat, use sweet paprika instead. You can also use fresh peppers, like jalapeños or serranos. Just chop them finely and mix them into your marinade. This way, you control how spicy your dish becomes. Baking is not the only way to cook drumsticks. You can grill them for a smoky flavor. Grilling gives a nice char and crispy skin. Frying is another option for juicy meat and a crunchy exterior. Each method has its own benefits. Baking is simple and hands-off, while grilling and frying can add depth to the taste. Choose the method that suits your mood! After baking your chicken drumsticks, let them cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps keep the skin crispy. Place the drumsticks on a plate or a cooling rack. Once they reach room temperature, cover them with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. This will keep them fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat your drumsticks, avoid the microwave if you want to keep them juicy. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through. Check that they reach at least 165°F (75°C) inside. This method helps retain moisture and flavor. If you have extra drumsticks, freezing is a great choice. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Always ensure they are heated thoroughly before serving. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections. You should bake chicken drumsticks for about 25 minutes at 425°F. This initial time helps cook the chicken evenly. After 25 minutes, take them out and brush with barbecue sauce. Then, bake for another 10-15 minutes. This step makes the sauce caramelize and adds great flavor. Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It needs to reach 165°F for safe eating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken drumsticks! Just remember to adjust your cooking time. First, bake them at 425°F for 30-35 minutes without marinade. This helps them thaw and cook through. After that, follow the same steps as fresh chicken. Brush on your barbecue sauce and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. Checking for doneness is key here too. There are many great barbecue sauce brands for this recipe. Some popular choices are Sweet Baby Ray’s, Kraft, and Stubb’s. If you want to try homemade, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar. This mix gives a rich flavor. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice to match your taste. You can make these drumsticks healthier with a few easy swaps. Use skinless drumsticks to cut down on fat. You can also replace some of the barbecue sauce with a homemade mix. This way, you control the sugar. Adding more spices can also boost flavor without extra calories. Lastly, serve the drumsticks with fresh veggies or a salad for a balanced meal. Baking chicken drumsticks is simple and fun. We covered the ingredients needed, from chicken to sauces. You learned the steps for prep, baking, and checking doneness. I shared tips for flavor, common errors, and tasty sides. We explored sauce variations, spice levels, and cooking methods. Lastly, I offered storage advice for leftovers. These drumsticks can be a great meal for your family. Enjoy trying different sauces and cooking methods to find your favorite!

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Get ready to indulge in mouthwatering Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken with savory barbecue sauce and a blend of spices for the ultimate flavor. Perfect for any gathering or a family dinner, these drumsticks are baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley. Want to impress your guests?
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Ingredients
  

10 chicken drumsticks

1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet.

    In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.

      Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. You can marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours for even better flavor.

        Once marinated, arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack, spacing them apart to allow for even cooking.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the drumsticks and brush generously with the barbecue sauce.

            Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the sauce is caramelized.

              Remove from oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4