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sticky-bbq-chicken-drumsticks--easy-baked-chicken-legs-with-a-sweet-smoky-glaze-_feature

Sticky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks - Sweet Smoky Glazed Oven-Baked Chicken Legs

These sticky BBQ chicken drumsticks are the ultimate crowd-pleaser with a sweet, smoky glaze that caramelizes to perfection. Perfectly baked with minimal effort, they deliver restaurant-quality results for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes crispy skin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over all the drumsticks.
  4. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they're not touching. Drizzle with olive oil.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and bake for another 20 minutes.
  6. While the chicken is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar (if using).
  7. After 45 minutes of total baking time, brush the drumsticks generously with the BBQ glaze. Return to oven and bake for 10 more minutes.
  8. Brush with another layer of glaze and bake for final 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, place drumsticks on a wire rack over the baking sheet. Double the glaze for extra sauciness. The seasoning rub can be made in advance and stored for up to 3 months. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving for glaze to thicken.