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Latest / Weeknight / No. 7
Sticky Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
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Weeknight

Sticky Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Juicy drumsticks rubbed with smoked paprika and garlic, baked until the skin renders, then brushed with a tangy homemade barbecue glaze and roasted until sticky. An easy, budget-friendly family dinner.

Prep10 min
Cook50 min
Total1 hr
Serves6

What you'll need

Nonstick baking sheetsFor roasting and baking
Mixing bowl setFor mixing and marinating
Instant-read thermometerFor knowing when meat is done

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Ingredients

  • 12 chicken drumsticks (about 3 1/2 lb)
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • For the glaze: 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • pinch of cayenne

Steps

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a rack on it if you have one.
  2. Pat the drumsticks dry, toss with the oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, and arrange on the rack.
  3. Bake 30 minutes, turning once halfway.
  4. Meanwhile simmer the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan, stirring, until slightly thickened, 5 minutes.
  5. Brush the drumsticks generously with glaze and bake 10 minutes. Turn, brush again and bake 8 to 10 minutes more, until sticky and the meat near the bone reads at least 175°F.
  6. Rest 5 minutes, then brush with any remaining glaze and serve with corn, coleslaw or mashed potatoes.

TipDrumsticks are more tender cooked past the usual 165°F; 175 to 185°F near the bone melts the connective tissue.