These oven-roasted drumsticks are coated in a sweet, tangy barbecue glaze with brown sugar, garlic, and a hint of smoky paprika. They’re easy to prepare and make a tasty family dinner or party favorite.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40–50 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
BBQ Brown Sugar Sauce
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce
- 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Heat the oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a lightly greased wire rack on top, if available.
- Season the drumsticks. Pat the chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Roast. Arrange the drumsticks on the rack or baking sheet with space between them. Roast for 25 minutes.
- Make the sauce. While the chicken cooks, stir together the barbecue sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
- Glaze and finish roasting. Brush the drumsticks generously with sauce. Return them to the oven for 15–20 minutes, turning and brushing once more, until browned and cooked through. The thickest part should reach 165°F (74°C) without touching the bone. If you want a darker, stickier glaze, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Rest and serve. Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown.
- Add the sugary sauce near the end of cooking so it has less time to burn.
- For crispier skin, use a wire rack and leave space between the drumsticks.
- Cooking time depends on drumstick size; use a thermometer to check doneness.