Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Chicken drumsticks: These are the main protein for the dish, providing a juicy and flavorful base.

Bbq sauce: This adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor to the drumsticks.

Olive oil: Used to coat the drumsticks, helping them to crisp up in the oven.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning mix.

When preparing chicken drumsticks, ensure they are patted dry with a paper towel before tossing them in the olive oil mixture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes a crispier skin. Additionally, for an extra layer of flavor, you can marinate the drumsticks in the bbq sauce for a few hours or overnight before baking. This allows the chicken to absorb the smoky, sweet flavors of the sauce more deeply.

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

• Chicken drumsticks - Substitute with turkey drumsticks: Turkey drumsticks are larger but offer a similar taste and can be used for a heartier meal.

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

• BBQ sauce - Substitute with honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard adds a tangy and sweet flavor that pairs nicely with baked chicken.

• Olive oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a suitable replacement.

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a slight sweetness and can withstand high cooking temperatures.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor, reducing the need for additional salt.

• Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral taste.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor but still adds the necessary heat and spice.

• Black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick and can be used in smaller quantities for a similar effect.

• Allow the chicken drumsticks to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.

• Place the cooled drumsticks in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the chicken within 3-4 days.

• For longer storage, wrap each drumstick individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This extra layer of protection helps maintain flavor and moisture.

• Place the wrapped drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of freshness.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

• Reheat in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. For a crispier skin, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the drumsticks in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

• Serve the reheated BBQ chicken drumsticks hot, and enjoy them as if they were freshly baked!

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  3. Cover the drumsticks with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. For an extra touch, brush a bit more bbq sauce on the drumsticks before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the drumsticks in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open for steam to escape.
  3. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Check the temperature and continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chicken is thoroughly warmed.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
  2. Place the drumsticks in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating.
  4. Add a splash of bbq sauce to the skillet for extra flavor and moisture.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. Brush with additional bbq sauce if desired before serving.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken drumsticks at the required temperature.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the olive oil, salt, and pepper with the drumsticks.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the drumsticks on for baking in the oven.

• Basting brush: Used to brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce.

• Tongs: Used to handle the drumsticks when tossing them in the mixture and placing them on the baking sheet.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the BBQ sauce.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Marinate in advance: Prepare the chicken drumsticks by marinating them in the olive oil, salt, and pepper mixture the night before. This saves time on the day of cooking.

Use foil-lined baking sheet: Line your baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. This reduces the time spent scrubbing pans.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the drumsticks. This ensures the oven is ready when you are.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and cook extra drumsticks. Store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.