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Sticky BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks pinterest

Sticky BBQ Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Coated in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce and baked until caramelized and sticky, these drumsticks are a family favorite that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, BBQ
Servings 5 servings
Calories 385 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Wire Rack
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 10-12 chicken drumsticks approximately 3 lbs

Marinade

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free option
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until completely combined.
  • Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl with the marinade and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
  • Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece. Reserve the remaining marinade for later. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
  • After the initial baking period, carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Brush each drumstick generously with the reserved marinade.
  • Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior has developed a beautiful caramelized glaze.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For an extra sticky finish, brush with one more layer of sauce in the final 5 minutes of cooking.
Let marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
Using a wire rack allows heat to circulate around the drumsticks, ensuring even cooking and helping achieve that perfect sticky exterior.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 29gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 790mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 18g
Keyword Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Drumsticks, Sticky Chicken, Baked Chicken
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