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Crunchy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe You’ll Love

Crunchy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy oven-baked chicken drumsticks are seasoned with paprika, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper, then brushed with BBQ sauce near the end of baking for a glossy, flavorful finish. An optional panko-Parmesan coating adds extra crunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning
  • 8 drumsticks, about 2½–3 pounds Bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
  • ½ cup, plus extra for serving All-purpose BBQ sauce
Optional Crunchy Coating
  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Melted butter or olive oil

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, set a wire rack on top, and lightly oil the rack.
  2. Pat the drumsticks very dry with paper towels. Toss them with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. For extra crunch, combine the panko and Parmesan, moisten the mixture with melted butter or olive oil, and press or roll the seasoned drumsticks in the coating.
  4. Arrange the drumsticks on the rack in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
  5. Brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce and return it to the oven for 12–20 minutes, turning once if desired.
  6. Check the thickest part of every drumstick with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken must reach at least 165°F (74°C); 175–185°F (79–85°C) gives a more tender, pull-apart texture.
  7. Rest the drumsticks for 5 minutes. Serve with additional warmed BBQ sauce.

Notes

Dry chicken and avoid crowding the rack for the crunchiest finish. BBQ sauce contains sugar, so applying it late helps prevent scorching. Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and reheat in a 400°F oven until hot.