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Master 8 Perfect Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
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Enjoy tender, juicy baked BBQ chicken drumsticks with a perfectly sticky sauce that won’t burn. Richard shares his method for that perfect glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 Chicken Drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce (your favorite recipe or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (optional, for extra stickiness)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry using paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up nicely.
  3. In a bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake cooks the chicken through partially.
  6. While the chicken bakes, prepare your glaze. If using, mix the brown sugar into your BBQ sauce until dissolved.
  7. After 25 minutes, remove the tray from the oven. Carefully brush a generous, even layer of BBQ sauce over all sides of the drumsticks.
  8. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. Watch closely for the last 5 minutes to prevent burning. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  9. For the final sticky coat, remove the chicken, brush with one last light layer of sauce, and place them under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes only. Watch constantly until the sauce bubbles and caramelizes slightly.
  10. Remove immediately from the oven. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Drying the chicken skin thoroughly is key to achieving a better texture before the sauce goes on.
  • For the best results against burning, apply the majority of the sauce halfway through the cooking time.
  • The optional brown sugar helps the sauce thicken and stick better during the final bake.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/baked-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-no-burn/