Easy to make BBQ chicken in the oven! These Baked BBQ Chicken Legs are fully cooked in the oven but taste just like you spent time cooking on a grill.
Perfect for dinner any time of the year!
BBQ Chicken Legs in Oven
Baked BBQ Chicken Legs are an easy and delicious meal that my family loves. I bake the chicken first to ensure it's perfectly cooked through and juicy, and then I add the BBQ sauce for that irresistible tangy glaze. It’s a simple process that results in flavorful, tender chicken with a crispy finish.
My top tips for perfectly baked BBQ chicken legs:
- Pat the chicken dry. Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken legs dry to help the skin get crispy in the oven.
- Bake on a rack. For the best results, bake the chicken legs on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate around the chicken, making it crispy on all sides.
- Bake the chicken first. Bake the chicken until it’s fully cooked before adding the BBQ sauce to prevent burning the sauce and to get crispy skin.
- Generously coat with sauce. Once the chicken is baked, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce on each leg, then bake for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal. The chicken is juicy on the inside and beautifully glazed on the outside.
Baked BBQ Chicken Legs Ingredients
This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.
- Chicken drumsticks - you could also use chicken thighs, but the baking time will increase
- BBQ sauce - make your own BBQ sauce or purchase from the store
- Salt and pepper
How to make BBQ Drumsticks in Oven
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Sprinkle drumsticks with salt and pepper
- Place on a greased baking rack over a baking sheet
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 35-45 minutes or until 185°F and the skin is crispy
- Brush all sides of each drumstick with BBQ sauce and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened and just beginning to brown
- Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes before serving
Tips for BBQ Chicken Drumsticks in Oven
- Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This is optional but does help make cleanup a bit easier.
- Be certain to lightly spray the baking rack with a nonstick spray
- If a baking rack isn't available, just cook directly on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be certain to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Flip halfway through cooking time once the BBQ sauce is added. You want the top to be crisp and avoid the bottom from burning.
- Chicken drumsticks vary in size. This affects the cooking time. For best results use an instant-read thermometer to determine if the chicken is cooked through.
- Cook chicken to 185-195°F. Chicken legs benefit from a higher temperature than chicken breasts. The higher temperature helps break down the connective tissue resulting in more tender chicken.
- Packages of chicken drumsticks are often sold partially frozen. Be certain to fully thaw before baking.
How to store Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs
You'll also want to check out What to Serve With BBQ Chicken for more delicious side dishes.
How to store Baked BBQ Chicken Legs
Store leftover legs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To use, eat cold or heat in a microwave for 1 minute.
Can I freeze baked chicken legs?
Yes, these BBQ chicken legs can be frozen. Store in a freezer-safe container. They are best used within 3 months.
Thaw and then reheat. Additional BBQ sauce may be needed before reheating the drumsticks.
More delicious chicken dishes
- Baked apricot chicken
- Pecan crusted chicken
- Oven baked chicken thighs
- Pesto chicken sandwich
- Cast iron chicken thighs
- Green chile chicken and rice
- Creamy chicken orzo
- Chicken salad
- Chicken sheet pan dinner
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Be certain to check out all my delicious main dish recipes!
BBQ Drumsticks in Oven
Equipment
- Basting Brush
- Cookie Sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Prepare baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or foil. Place a lightly greased baking rack on top of baking sheet.
- Sprinkle drumsticks with salt and pepper12 chicken drumsticks, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Place on a greased baking rack over a baking sheet
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 35-45 minutes or until 185°F and the skin is crispy
- Brush all sides of each drumstick with BBQ sauce and return to oven for 10-15 minutes until sauce is thickened and just beginning to brown1 cup BBQ sauce
- Rest chicken for 5-10 minutes before serving
- Sprinkle with parsley, if desired1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley
Notes
- Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This is optional but does help make cleanup a bit easier.
- Be certain to lightly spray the baking rack with a nonstick spray
- If a baking rack isn't available, just cook directly on the baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be certain to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. Flip halfway through cooking time once the BBQ sauce is added. You want the top to be crisp and avoid the bottom from burning.
- Chicken drumsticks vary in size. This affects the cooking time. For best results use an instant read thermometer to determine if the chicken is cooked through.
- Cook chicken to 185-195°F
- Packages of chicken drumsticks are often sold partially frozen. Be certain to fully thaw before baking.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Rachel says
I made this for dinner! I’ve cooked chicken (thighs) in the past over potatoes and roasted them. But the chicken got soggy underneath. I tried your recipe with the chicken on a metal rack (I forgot to spray mine but everything was fine!!!) and it helped the whole chicken leg to get crispy instead of soggy!
I served mine with couscous and sautéed spinach.
Thanks for the recipe!
Kathy says
Thank you!!! I'm so glad it worked out for you! 🙂
David @ Spiced says
Haha - I swear the clouds watch me when it comes to grilling. If I pull out the grill, it's bound to rain! If it stays under a cover? Beautiful sunny day! This is a great way to solve that problem! Those chicken legs look like summer on a plate!!
Kathy says
So true! As much as I love grilling, these oven baked legs are a great option too! Saves you from a rainstorm everytime! 🙂