Are you craving juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken drumsticks but don’t have access to a grill? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you on making mouthwatering BBQ chicken drumsticks in the convenience of your kitchen using just the power of your oven. With our easy-to-follow recipe and helpful tips, you’ll enjoy the smoky goodness of BBQ chicken drumsticks in Oven all year round.
Preparing Chicken Drumsticks for BBQ in the Oven
Choosing the right drumsticks
When making BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven, choosing the right drumsticks is key to achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Look for fresh, plump drumsticks and a nice pink color. Avoid drumsticks that are discolored, have an unpleasant smell, or have a slimy texture.
Marinating or seasoning the drumsticks
The marinade or seasoning is the key to tender and juicy BBQ chicken drumsticks. You can use store-bought marinades or make your own. A simple marinade can be made by mixing soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. You can also season your drumsticks using your favorite spices like paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
To marinate your drumsticks, place them in a bowl or plastic bag and generously coat them with your marinade or seasoning. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight for more flavor.
Preheating the oven to the right temperature:
Before cooking your drumsticks, preheat the oven to 425°F. This will give your oven enough time to reach the right temperature, ensuring that your chicken will cook evenly. Once the oven is preheated, place your chicken drumsticks on a greased baking sheet or wire rack. Ensure your chickens are not touching each other to allow proper air circulation.
Cook your drumsticks for 30 to 35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks in Oven
Using a Meat Thermometer to Test the Drumstick Doneness
The first step in cooking perfectly juicy and tender BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven is to check the internal temperature of the meat. This can be done using a meat thermometer, which should be inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick.
The ideal temperature for chicken drumsticks is 165°F. It’s important to ensure the thermometer is not touching the bone, as this can affect the reading and give an inaccurate temperature.
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Focusing on Even Heating
Another essential tip to ensure perfectly cooked BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven is to focus on even heating. This can be achieved by arranging the drumsticks on a wire rack and placing them in the center of the oven. The wire rack helps promote air circulation, allowing the heat to distribute evenly around the meat.
It’s also important to preheat the oven to 425°F before cooking the drumsticks, which will help to ensure even and consistent cooking throughout.
Avoiding Undercooked or Overcooked Drumsticks
To avoid undercooked or overcooked BBQ chicken drumsticks, carefully monitoring their cooking time is important. Generally, it takes around 30-35 minutes to cook chicken drumsticks in the oven, but this may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks.
If the drumsticks start to brown too quickly, it’s essential to cover them with foil to prevent burning. On the other hand, if the drumsticks are not cooked through after 30-35 minutes, leaving them in the oven for 5-10 minutes may be necessary.
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 pounds of chicken drumsticks
- 1 lime, sliced
- Salt, to taste
- Himalayan salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Old Bay seasoning, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- Dried parsley, to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken and make sure it's dry.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Season the chicken drumsticks with salt, Himalayan salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, and paprika. Flip the chicken over and season the other side as well.
- Add dried parsley and dry thyme and mix together.
- Transfer the seasoned chicken to a baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Bake the chicken at 375°F for 30 minutes.
- Flip the chicken over and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and add the BBQ sauce on top.
- Place the chicken back in the oven on boil for another 7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and serve.
Hey readers! Chip Holland here, and I’m a Manager of this website. My passion for writing about it only matches my passion for BBQ. Follow my blog for mouth-watering recipes, tips, and tricks for the perfect smoke, grill, and BBQ. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!