Juicy and Easy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful and straightforward dish perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or casual gatherings. With a simple seasoning and tangy BBQ sauce, these drumsticks cook up tender and packed with smoky, savory goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe uses minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation to deliver juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken with a delicious BBQ glaze. The addition of garlic powder and yellow mustard enhances the flavor complexity, creating a balanced and satisfying dish everyone will enjoy.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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chicken drumsticks
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garlic powder
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BBQ sauce
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yellow mustard
directions
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Preheat Oven or Grill:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill for medium-high heat. -
Season the Drumsticks:
Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over all sides. -
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce and yellow mustard until well combined. -
Coat the Drumsticks:
Brush the BBQ-mustard mixture generously onto each drumstick, coating thoroughly. -
Cook the Drumsticks:
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Oven method: Place drumsticks on a lined baking sheet and bake for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through and juices run clear.
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Grill method: Grill drumsticks over medium-high heat, turning occasionally and basting with sauce, for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked.
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Serve:
Remove from heat, let rest for a few minutes, then serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
Variations
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Add smoked paprika or chili powder to the seasoning for extra heat.
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Use honey mustard in place of yellow mustard for a sweeter glaze.
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Marinate the drumsticks in the sauce for 1–2 hours for deeper flavor.
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Serve with grilled vegetables or coleslaw for a complete meal.
storage/reheating
Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?
Yes, chicken thighs work well with this recipe and have similar cooking times.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C), and juices should run clear.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight and cook when ready.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling?
Yes, grilling imparts a smoky flavor and cooks the chicken beautifully.
Can I freeze cooked drumsticks?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
How do I get crispy skin on drumsticks?
Pat dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the pan or grill.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicy kick.
Should I baste the chicken during cooking?
Basting keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, especially when grilling.
What side dishes go well with BBQ drumsticks?
Coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, or potato salad complement well.
Can I bake these drumsticks covered?
Baking uncovered helps the skin crisp up better.
Conclusion
Juicy and Easy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a delicious, hassle-free dish perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and versatile cooking methods, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a tangy BBQ glaze anytime. Whether baked or grilled, these drumsticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Print
Juicy and Easy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4-servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy tender, juicy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with a simple and flavorful marinade of garlic powder, mustard, and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for grilling or baking, this easy recipe delivers classic BBQ taste with minimal prep.
Ingredients
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8 chicken drumsticks
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
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3 teaspoons yellow mustard
Instructions
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Preheat Oven or Grill:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare grill for medium heat.
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Prepare the Marinade:
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In a bowl, mix garlic powder, BBQ sauce, and yellow mustard until well combined.
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Coat the Drumsticks:
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Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels.
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Brush or toss the drumsticks in the BBQ marinade, coating evenly.
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Cook the Drumsticks:
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Oven method: Place drumsticks on a lined baking sheet or rack. Bake for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is caramelized.
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Grill method: Grill over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, turning frequently and basting with extra BBQ sauce until cooked through and slightly charred.
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Serve:
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Let rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
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Notes
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For extra tenderness, marinate the drumsticks in the sauce for 1–2 hours before cooking.
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Serve with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a classic BBQ meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–40 minutes (depending on method)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American