If you’re craving a finger-licking good dinner that’s easy to pull together and packed with flavor, you’re in the right place. This Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is exactly what you need for a cozy family night or casual get-together. I absolutely love how tender and juicy the chicken turns out with this homemade cola-based BBQ sauce, and the best part? It’s all baked in the oven—no grill necessary. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through everything to nail these drumsticks every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a long list of complicated stuff—most are pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Juicy and Flavorful: The marinade and spice rub lock in moisture, so your chicken drumsticks are tender with a punch of smoky-sweet BBQ goodness.
No Grill Needed: Perfect for year-round BBQ cravings—even when you don’t want to brave the outdoors.
Family Favorite: I’ve tested this multiple times, and my family goes crazy for the sauce and crispy edges every time.

A white oval plate holds eight chicken drumsticks all covered in shiny dark red barbecue sauce with a sticky, rich look. The drumsticks are layered piled close together, showing the uneven texture of the cooked skin underneath the sauce. Bright green sliced scallions are spread over the chicken, adding fresh color and thin round shapes. Some sauce has dripped onto the plate edges. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and there is a bit of a light cloth visible at the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, baked BBQ chicken, easy BBQ drumsticks, homemade BBQ chicken, oven baked chicken recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe lies in the balance of flavors in the sauce and the seasoning on the chicken. I always suggest using fresh spices and good-quality honey for the best results.

Flat lay of two pounds of fresh raw chicken drumsticks with clean skin, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl of dark cola soda, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of amber apple cider vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth yellow Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding a mix of smoked paprika powder and onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a few thinly sliced vibrant green onions arranged neatly on a white ceramic plate, and a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, all ingredients looking fresh and natural, perfectly arranged with balanced layout and symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, baked BBQ chicken, easy BBQ drumsticks, homemade BBQ chicken, oven baked chicken recipes

Ketchup: The base for your BBQ sauce—choose a smooth variety without added chunks.
Cola: This adds sweetness and a subtle depth; you can use Coke, Dr Pepper, or Root Beer depending on your taste.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze on the chicken.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic makes a huge difference in flavor—don’t skip it!
Apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a mild tanginess.
Dijon mustard: Brings a hint of sharpness and complexity to the sauce.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth that you’ll notice in every bite.
Onion powder: For a warm, mild onion flavor without overpowering.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky nuance—this is one of my favorite spices here.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for that spicy kick.
Olive oil: For drizzling the chicken before baking to crisp it up nicely.
Chicken drumsticks: Look for good, meaty pieces for juicy results.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture for the skin to crisp.
Garlic powder: Adds extra garlicky goodness on top of the fresh garlic in the sauce.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe, and really, it’s super adaptable. Feel free to tweak it to fit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs—you’ll find that this recipe embraces creativity!

Spicy Variation: I once added cayenne pepper and hot sauce to give the sauce a real kick—my spice-loving friends were thrilled!
Smoky Twist: Adding a touch of chipotle powder amps up the smoky flavor if you want it bolder.
Healthier Option: Swap honey for maple syrup or use reduced-sugar ketchup to lower sugar while keeping that sticky glaze.
Gluten-Free: Make sure your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

How to Make Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Cola BBQ Sauce

This sauce is the star of the show! Combine ketchup, cola, honey, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a saucepan. Simmer it gently over medium heat for about 15 minutes until thickened slightly and fragrant. I discovered this trick—it really intensifies the flavors and helps the sauce stick to the chicken beautifully.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Drumsticks

While the sauce simmers, pat your drumsticks dry with paper towels. This is key for crisp skin! In a bowl, toss the chicken with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. The seasoning adds a perfect flavor foundation that complements the sweet BBQ sauce. Don’t skip this step—it makes all the difference.

Step 3: Bake and Baste for Maximum Flavor

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the chicken drumsticks on a foil-lined baking sheet and lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes, then pull them out and generously brush the chicken with your homemade BBQ sauce. Pop them back for another 20 minutes, basting once more halfway through if you can. This layering builds that sticky, caramelized crust everyone loves. Keep an eye so they don’t burn but let them get nicely charred at the edges.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes so juices redistribute. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top for freshness and a pop of color. You’re ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Pat Dry the Drumsticks: Always dry your chicken before seasoning and baking—it’s the easiest way to get crispy skin that isn’t soggy.
Use Foil for Easy Cleanup: Lining your baking sheet with foil saves you from scrubbing baked-on BBQ sauce later—trust me, you’ll thank me.
Low and Slow for Tenderness: Baking at a high temperature for the perfect amount of time locks in juiciness without drying out.
Sauce Basting Frequency: Don’t over-baste early on; wait until the chicken has started cooking before slathering on thick layers of sauce to avoid burning.

How to Serve Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with five pieces of chicken drumsticks covered in thick, shiny red barbecue sauce. The chicken skin has a slightly crispy texture with some charred spots, indicating it is cooked well. On top of the chicken, there are small slices of fresh green onions scattered evenly, adding a fresh green color contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface that gives a clean and bright look. The photo is taken close up focusing on the front drumstick with a soft background blur photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks, baked BBQ chicken, easy BBQ drumsticks, homemade BBQ chicken, oven baked chicken recipes

Garnishes

I always top these drumsticks with thinly sliced green onions—they add just the right crunch and fresh bite that contrasts nicely with the rich BBQ glaze. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a little sesame seed for a subtle nutty pop. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley work if you want a different twist.

Side Dishes

My family loves pairing these drumsticks with classic coleslaw and creamy mashed potatoes for a comfy meal. On warmer days, I serve them alongside grilled corn on the cob and a crisp garden salad. Roasted veggies or baked sweet potatoes are also fantastic match-ups that soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual parties, I like arranging these drumsticks on a large platter garnished with plenty of green onions and lemon wedges for squeezing. Another fun idea I’ve tried is serving them stacked in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for that backyard BBQ vibe—even when all done indoors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked BBQ chicken drumsticks keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I always remove as much air as possible so the sauce doesn’t get soggy, and the skin stays somewhat firm.

Freezing

If you want to stash some drumsticks for later, just freeze them after fully cooling—wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or sealed in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, which helps keep that crispy glaze instead of turning rubbery like the microwave sometimes does. You can brush a little extra BBQ sauce on top before reheating to freshen up the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs work fantastic here and might even offer a bit more meat per piece. The cooking time remains similar; just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Is it necessary to simmer the BBQ sauce before baking?

Simmering the sauce helps thicken it and deepen the flavor, making it stick better to the chicken. While you can skip this step, the sauce won’t caramelize as nicely during baking.
How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning in the oven?

Baste the drumsticks with sauce after the initial baking period instead of right away, and avoid applying thick layers too early. Also, baking at a steady 425°F and watching the chicken closely helps avoid burning.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! You can prep the sauce and season the chicken a day in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge and assemble right before baking. This makes hosting way easier.
What sides go best with baked BBQ chicken drumsticks?

Classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, roasted veggies, or mac and cheese complement the flavors beautifully. I love pairing this recipe with anything fresh and simple to balance the richness.

Final Thoughts

This Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is one I keep coming back to, especially when I want a fuss-free meal that my whole family adores. It’s straightforward but delivers that satisfying tender meat and sticky, flavorful sauce that makes you want seconds (or thirds). Trust me, once you try this at home, you’ll find it’s a new go-to for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts alike. Grab your apron, and let this dinner bring some happy BBQ vibes to your table!