Easy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (Gluten Free Weeknight Dinner)
Easy & Flavorful BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
There’s nothing quite like the sticky, sweet, and smoky flavor of classic BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. This recipe is the definition of easy comfort food, giving you wonderfully juicy, bone-in chicken with that perfectly caramelized glaze. Whether you bake them in the oven or toss them on the grill, the results are guaranteed to be a hit.
Best of all, this delicious recipe is naturally gluten free, provided you use a reliable GF BBQ sauce, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for everyone at your table. Say goodbye to dry chicken and hello to tender, fall-off-the-bone flavor!
Table of Contents
Why we love this BBQ Chicken Drumstick recipe:
- Juicy & Tender: Dark meat (drumsticks) stays incredibly moist, even at high heat.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Requires only a simple check of the BBQ sauce label.
- Minimal Prep: Quick seasoning and a simple two-stage cooking method.
- Versatile: Works perfectly in the oven or on the outdoor grill.
Allergen Information:
This recipe is naturally Gluten Free and Dairy-Free.
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken Drumsticks: Bone-in, skin-on drumsticks are the best choice here. The bone helps retain moisture, and the skin helps seal in the fat.
- BBQ Sauce: The key to keeping this GF is checking the label. Many mainstream brands are naturally gluten-free, but always confirm!
- Smoked Paprika: This is vital for adding that deep, complex ‘smoky’ flavor, even when baking indoors.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning adhere to the skin and promotes even browning.
Step by Step Photos and Preparation:
- Prep & Preheat: Preheat oven to 400F ,200C. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top (this allows air circulation for crispier skin).
- Season: Pat the drumsticks very dry. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Initial Cook (Baking): Place the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack. Bake for 25 minutes. (If grilling, cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning often.)
- Sauce Application: Remove the drumsticks. Generously brush them with the gluten-free BBQ sauce.
- Final Cook: Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F ,74C and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- Serve: Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving with any extra sauce on the side.
Tips For Success
- Pat it Dry: Always pat the chicken skin thoroughly before seasoning. Dry skin leads to crispier results.
- The Two-Stage Cook: Don’t apply the BBQ sauce immediately! The sugar in the sauce will burn before the chicken is cooked. Cook the chicken most of the way through first, then add the sauce for the final caramelization.
- Don’t Forget the Rack: If baking, cooking on a wire rack allows heat to circulate underneath the chicken, preventing soggy bottom skin.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work perfectly. Baking time may increase by 5-10 minutes.
- How do I get crispier skin? For maximum crispiness, after the initial bake, broil the drumsticks for 1-2 minutes after the final saucing, watching them very closely to prevent burning the sauce.
- How long does this last? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| 8 | Chicken Drumsticks | Bone-in, skin-on |
| 1 Tbsp | Olive Oil | |
| 1 tsp | Smoked Paprika | |
| 1 tsp | Garlic Powder | |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt | |
| 1/4 tsp | Black Pepper | |
| 1 cup | Gluten-Free BBQ Sauce | Use your favorite brand |
Instructions
- Prep & Preheat: Preheat oven to 400F ,200C. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top (if baking).
- Season: Pat the chicken drumsticks very dry. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Initial Cook: Place the seasoned drumsticks on the wire rack. Bake for 25 minutes. (If grilling, cook for 15-20 minutes over medium heat, turning often).
- Sauce Application: Remove the drumsticks from the oven/grill. Generously brush them with the gluten-free BBQ sauce.
- Final Cook: Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F ,74C and the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
- Serve: Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving with extra sauce on the side.
Notes
- Crispiness Tip: To ensure the skin is crispy when baking, always use a wire rack. This allows air to circulate underneath the chicken, preventing the bottom skin from getting soggy.
- Glaze Protection: Never apply the BBQ sauce at the beginning of the cook! The sugars will burn before the chicken is done. Applying the sauce only during the last 10-15 minutes ensures a beautiful, sticky glaze without scorching.
- Make Ahead: You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Do not add the BBQ sauce until the final stage of cooking.
- Internal Temperature: Always confirm doneness using an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick (avoiding the bone). The minimum safe internal temperature is 165F.
SPECIAL NOTE
If you want an extra-thick glaze, use a thicker style of BBQ sauce and brush a second layer on for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
(Note: This nutritional analysis is an estimate for one serving, assuming 8 drumsticks, with skin, and using 1 cup of BBQ sauce.)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Estimated) |
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutritional information provided is an estimate based on third-party calculators and assumes 8 equal servings. Values may vary significantly depending on the size of the drumsticks and the sugar content of the specific BBQ sauce used. This information is for general guidance only.
