Oven BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Chicken drumsticks: The main protein for this dish, providing a juicy and flavorful base.

Bbq sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to the chicken.

Olive oil: Helps to coat the chicken and adds a subtle richness.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a mild garlic taste.

Onion powder: Adds a hint of onion flavor to the dish.

Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.

When preparing chicken drumsticks, ensure they are patted dry with a paper towel before coating them with the bbq sauce mixture. This helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken and results in a more flavorful and crispy exterior. Additionally, consider marinating the drumsticks in the sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.

• Chicken drumsticks - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs have a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a great alternative.

• Chicken drumsticks - Substitute with turkey drumsticks: Turkey drumsticks are larger but offer a similar taste and can be cooked in the same way.

• BBQ sauce - Substitute with teriyaki sauce: Teriyaki sauce provides a sweet and savory flavor that complements the chicken well.

• BBQ sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard offers a tangy and sweet alternative that pairs nicely with chicken.

• Olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a good substitute.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can replace garlic powder.

• Onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion provides a similar flavor and texture when rehydrated.

• Onion powder - Substitute with leek powder: Leek powder offers a subtle onion-like flavor that can be used as a replacement.

• Allow the chicken drumsticks to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Transfer the cooled drumsticks to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful.
• For freezing, wrap each drumstick individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they don't stick together and makes it easier to grab just one or two at a time.
• Place the wrapped drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. This preserves the taste and texture of the bbq chicken.
• To reheat, thaw the drumsticks in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the chicken's moisture.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This ensures the chicken is warm and ready to enjoy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave. Place the drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cover them with another piece of foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the drumsticks on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan. Place the drumsticks in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are heated through evenly.

• To retain the BBQ sauce flavor, you can brush a little extra sauce on the drumsticks before reheating using any of the above methods. This will help keep them moist and flavorful.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken drumsticks at the required temperature of 375°F (190°C).

• Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the drumsticks on for baking.

• Aluminum foil: Used to line the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

• Mixing bowl: A bowl used to mix the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

• Basting brush: Used to coat the drumsticks evenly with the sauce mixture.

• Tongs: Used to turn the drumsticks halfway through the baking process.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure 1 cup of BBQ sauce accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder accurately.

Marinate in advance: Mix the bbq sauce and spices with the chicken drumsticks the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use a baking rack: Place the drumsticks on a baking rack over the foil-lined sheet to ensure even cooking and avoid turning halfway.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating the oven while you prepare the sauce mixture to save time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.

Quick cleanup: Line the baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.