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To make baked BBQ chicken drumsticks, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 10 chicken drumsticks - 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work well together. They give the chicken a great taste and texture. The honey adds sweetness, while the cayenne gives it a kick. You can change the flavor of your drumsticks with some optional ingredients. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary - Dijon mustard for a tangy twist - Liquid smoke for an added smoky flavor - Lime or lemon juice for brightness - Different spices like cumin or chili powder These options let you have fun with your dish. You can make it your own by adding flavors you love. Choosing the right BBQ sauce can change the whole dish. Here are some popular types you might like: - Sweet and tangy sauces for a classic taste - Spicy sauces for those who love heat - Smoky sauces for a rich flavor - Mustard-based sauces for a unique twist You can use any sauce you prefer. Just find one that fits your taste. For a great base, try the full recipe for sweet and spicy baked BBQ chicken drumsticks. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need 10 chicken drumsticks, BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Don't forget fresh parsley for garnish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet. This helps air circulate around the drumsticks, making them crispy. In a large bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients blend well. Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl. Toss them in the marinade until they are fully coated. For the best flavor, let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can also let them sit in the fridge overnight for deeper flavor. Once marinated, arrange the drumsticks on the wire rack. Make sure to leave space between each piece for even cooking. Bake them in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For a nice caramelized finish, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes. Watch them closely to avoid burning. After baking, let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with any leftover BBQ sauce if you want. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. For the full recipe, refer to the instructions provided above. To get the best BBQ flavor, you need a great marinade. Use a mix of BBQ sauce, honey, and spices. The honey adds a nice sweetness. The apple cider vinegar brings a little tang. Smoked paprika gives that smoky taste everyone loves. Make sure you let the drumsticks soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, marinate them overnight in the fridge. Crispy skin is a must for great drumsticks. Start by drying the chicken well with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up. When you place the drumsticks on a wire rack, it allows hot air to circulate around them. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes. For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last few minutes. Keep a close watch to avoid burning. Cook the drumsticks until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. Baking them at 400°F (200°C) gives the best results. If you want to cook them faster, you can increase the temperature slightly. Just be careful not to dry them out. Always let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle and keeps the meat tender. {{image_2}} To make spicy baked BBQ chicken drumsticks, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Mix these into the marinade. This will add a kick that spice lovers will enjoy. You can also try adding chili powder or crushed red pepper. These spices will give your chicken a nice heat. For a sweet twist, make honey garlic chicken drumsticks. Replace some BBQ sauce with honey. Add minced garlic to the marinade too. This combo will give your chicken a sweet and savory taste. The honey helps the chicken caramelize in the oven, creating a delightful glaze. You can cook these drumsticks in different ways. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill and cook the drumsticks over medium heat. Turn them often for even cooking. If you choose air frying, it’s fast and makes the skin crispy. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 25 minutes. Flip halfway through for best results. Each method gives you delicious chicken, so try them all! For the full recipe, check out the sweet and spicy baked BBQ chicken drumsticks. To store leftover drumsticks, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure to keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating drumsticks, I recommend using the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Reheat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also check the internal temp; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. If you want to freeze drumsticks, wrap them tightly in foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in the oven for the best texture. For more details, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use other chicken cuts. Bone-in thighs or wings work well, too. Adjust the cooking time based on the cut. Thighs usually take a bit longer. Wings can cook faster, so watch them closely. Each cut brings its own taste and texture. Making BBQ sauce at home is easy and fun. Start with these simple ingredients: - 1 cup ketchup - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. Use this sauce in place of store-bought for a fresh taste! Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks pair well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Coleslaw for crunch - Cornbread for a sweet touch - Baked beans for heartiness - Grilled vegetables for color These sides balance the rich flavor of the drumsticks and make your meal complete. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. Always ensure the chicken is cooked to avoid any health risks. In this guide, we explored making baked BBQ chicken drumsticks. We covered key ingredients, steps for marinating and baking, plus tips for perfect flavor. You learned variations like spicy or honey garlic drumsticks, and how to store leftovers. By using these tips, you’ll impress everyone with juicy, tasty drumsticks. Now, get ready to cook and enjoy a delicious meal!

Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering Sweet & Spicy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken with a flavorful marinade featuring BBQ sauce, honey, and spices. Oven-baked to perfection, these drumsticks are perfect for dinner or a festive gathering. Click through for step-by-step instructions and make your meal unforgettable with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

10 chicken drumsticks

1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the sheet.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

      Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor (or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor).

        Arrange the marinated drumsticks on the wire rack in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature registers 165°F (75°C).

            For a caramelized finish, turn on the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on the drumsticks to avoid burning.

              Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with any remaining BBQ sauce if desired.

                Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4