Cooking delicious drumsticks in the oven with BBQ sauce can be a delightful way to enjoy a leisurely meal. This method provides a uniform cooking heat which is perfect for infusing your chicken with the deep and smoky flavors of BBQ sauce. Whether it’s a family dinner or a day for leftovers, this recipe is sure to be a big hit!
For those who love the taste of BBQ chicken but want the convenience of using an oven, this cooking technique is ideal. Let’s explore the steps and secrets to achieving perfect BBQ drumsticks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make scrumptious BBQ drumsticks in your oven, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken drumsticks around 2 pounds.
- Your choice of BBQ sauce. If you’re health conscious, you might want to check out best sugar-free BBQ sauce.
- Olive oil for coating the drumsticks.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for extra flavor.
Preparation Steps
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s ensure the ingredients and oven are ready:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400F (200C). This temperature is perfect for cooking chicken drumsticks to give them a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
Marinating the Drumsticks
Marinating is a crucial step to infuse your chicken drumsticks with the intense flavor of BBQ sauce. Pour your chosen BBQ sauce over the drumsticks (about half a cup for 2 pounds of chicken), and ensure they’re well-coated. Adding a bit of garlic powder and smoked paprika can enhance the flavor even more.
Let them rest for at least 30 minutes
This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can marinate them overnight for an even more intense flavor.
Baking the Drumsticks
Once your drumsticks have marinated properly, follow these steps to bake them to perfection:
Place Drumsticks on a Baking Sheet
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil to catch the drippings for easy cleanup. Lightly coat the foil with olive oil. Spread out the drumsticks on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching one another for even cooking.
Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Bake the drumsticks in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Then, flip them over to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C). The drumsticks should have a nice golden brown color with caramelized BBQ sauce.
Why Use BBQ Sauce?
BBQ sauce not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking. You can learn about the different types of BBQ sauce and select one that aligns with your taste preferences.
Additional Tips for Delicious Drumsticks
To enhance the flavor of your BBQ chicken drumsticks, keep these tips in mind:
- Frequent basting with BBQ sauce during cooking will add to the moistness of the chicken.
- Allow the drumsticks to rest for a few minutes once cooked. This helps the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat succulent.
- Consider using a meat thermometer to check if they are cooked thoroughly, ensuring food safety.
Serve and Enjoy
Once you’ve achieved perfectly cooked BBQ drumsticks in the oven, it’s time to serve and delight. This delicious meal pairs well with accompaniments like a fresh garden salad or creamy potato salad. Each bite promises tender, juicy chicken that bursts with flavor.
Bravo! You’ve just learned how to cook drumsticks in the oven with BBQ sauce. This easy yet tremendous cooking technique is guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table. Happy Cooking!
External and Internal Resources
For more tips on improving your bottled barbecue sauce, visit Serious Eats. You can also explore how to sell homemade BBQ sauce if you’re considering sharing your culinary creations.
FAQs About Cooking Drumsticks
- What temperature should I bake chicken drumsticks? -> The recommended temperature is 400F for crispy, juicy drumsticks.
- How can I make my BBQ sauce stick better? -> Marinating the chicken and frequent basting during cooking helps the sauce adhere.
- What sides go well with BBQ drumsticks? -> Side dishes like coleslaw, baked beans, or corn on the cob are delightful pairings.
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