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Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Legs - Crispy Barbecue Drumsticks with Simple Spice Rub

This oven-baked method delivers restaurant-quality BBQ chicken legs with minimal effort, creating juicy, tender chicken with a caramelized exterior. The simple spice rub creates a flavorful foundation, followed by a sweet and tangy barbecue glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks (about 2-3 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Place the drumsticks in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat evenly.
  2. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the chicken drumsticks, making sure to coat all sides. Use your hands to gently rub the seasoning into the chicken.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange the seasoned drumsticks in a single layer, making sure they don't touch each other.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 25 minutes without the sauce.
  6. While the chicken bakes, whisk together barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl.
  7. After 25 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven and brush generously with the BBQ glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, place chicken on a wire rack over the baking sheet. Adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat level. Can prepare spice rub and BBQ glaze up to 3 days in advance.