Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

An easy-peasy, flavorful baked chicken drumstick recipe. You can have Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks without grilling or frying. Simply bake, baste, broil and enjoy! We even teach you how to turn this into a make-ahead freezer meal.

Affiliate links included in this post. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read our full disclosure policy here.

Welcome to your new best-weeknight-meal-friend. Here are a few reasons way:

• The ingredients are super simple and affordable.
• This drumstick recipe is freezer friendly! Save your future self time by making them a freezer meal.
• By using a little broil action at the end, you can replicate grilled flavor without taking a step outside!
• This recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

To make sure your drumsticks are extra flavorful, we have created a delicious rub for them. Here is everything you’ll need:

• Brown sugar 
• Paprika
• Garlic powder 
• Onion powder
• Salt & pepper
• Chicken drumsticks (we love the ones we get through ButcherBox)
• BBQ Sauce, store-bought or our homemade version

STEP 1: Season the Drumsticks

You’ll take those lovely seasonings and mix them up in a small bowl. Pat your drumsticks dry and give them a swim around in the seasonings until they are covered. It’s kinda fun!

If you plan to double your recipe and freeze one for later, you’ll place your seasoned drumsticks into a freezer bag at this point. If not, carry on!

STEP 2: Bake Your Drumsticks

Line a baking sheet with foil for easier clean up.

One of the most important parts of baking these is placing them on a baking/cooling rack on top of the foil-lined sheet pan. This allows the hot air to get to all sides of the drumsticks to help create a crispy exterior.

Put them in the preheated oven and kick back and relax for a bit.

STEP 3: Baste Your Chicken Drumsticks with BBQ Sauce

After the chicken has cooked for a bit (details below), you’ll start basting the chicken with BBQ Sauce. This basting step is what differentiates these Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks from our Slow Cooker BBQ Drumsticks or Instant Pot Drumsticks.

When you add a layer of BBQ sauce and give it a bit of time to cook, it starts to caramelize and get that stick-sweet taste you crave.

See how the layers of BBQ sauce are building up?

STEP 4: Crisp Up the Drumsticks

If you were grilling these drumsticks, they’d have a little extra char on them which adds delicious flavor and texture. To get that in the oven, crank the heat up at the end to 425°F and let them cook for a few more minutes.

If you don’t see some browning by then, give them a quick broil.

Can You Freeze BBQ Drumsticks?

You bet! Here’s how:

Freeze For Later: Season the drumsticks and place the seasoned chicken in a freezer bag. Try not to stack the drumsticks in the bag; instead, place them flat, side by side. Use parchment paper to divide layers, if needed. Seal and freeze flat. If you want, you can pour BBQ sauce into a small freezer bag or container, seal, and freeze alongside the chicken. 

Prepare From Frozen: Thaw the chicken using one of these safe methods. Follow the cooking instructions in the recipe below. 

What to Serve with BBQ Drumsticks

Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side and try one of these side dish ideas:

• 5 Ingredient Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese (or try this easy Instant Pot version)
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad
• Corn on the Cob (Made in the Microwave)

Want More Chicken Recipes That Are Freezer Friendly?

Be sure to check out our 15+ Best Chicken Freezer Meals on the Internet!