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Crispy Juicy Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs - Perfect Restaurant Style Drumsticks

Discover the secret to achieving restaurant-quality crispy skin and juicy interior with these oven baked BBQ chicken legs using a double-cooking technique. This foolproof method delivers golden brown, caramelized exteriors with tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures maximum crispiness.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, black pepper, and salt.
  4. Rub the olive oil evenly over all the drumsticks, then generously coat with the spice mixture, making sure to cover all sides.
  5. Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip the drumsticks and bake for another 20 minutes until the skin starts to crisp up.
  7. While the chicken bakes, mix the BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar to thin it slightly for easier brushing.
  8. Remove the chicken from oven and brush generously with the BBQ sauce mixture on all sides.
  9. Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the sauce is caramelized and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Dry chicken thoroughly before seasoning for maximum crispiness. Don't crowd the baking sheet. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Choose a thick, quality BBQ sauce that caramelizes well.