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Crispy Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Legs - Perfect BBQ Drumsticks Recipe

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality BBQ chicken legs with crispy, caramelized skin and incredibly juicy, tender meat using a simple two-step oven baking process. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these drumsticks achieve maximum crispiness while keeping the interior moist and flavorful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra caramelization)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, making sure each piece is lightly coated.
  2. Mix together garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, rubbing it into all sides of each drumstick.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned drumsticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes.
  4. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush each drumstick generously with BBQ sauce. If using honey or maple syrup, mix it with the BBQ sauce for extra shine and caramelization.
  5. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and beautifully glazed.
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Notes

Dry chicken thoroughly before seasoning for crispy skin. Use a wire rack for even air circulation. Add BBQ sauce in the last 15-20 minutes to prevent burning. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness at 165°F. Let chicken rest before serving for maximum tenderness.