Drumstick Chicken With Spicy BBQ Glaze

Name: Drumstick Chicken With Spicy BBQ Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Hearty Delights

I absolutely adore making Drumstick Chicken with Spicy BBQ Glaze. This dish brings together juicy chicken drumsticks and a flavorful, fiery glaze that takes it to the next level. With just the right amount of spice and sweetness, it's perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner. The best part? You can whip it up in under an hour! Trust me, once you try it, you'll have a new favorite weeknight meal that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Created by

Olivia Barrett

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:33:34.823Z

When I first made Drumstick Chicken with Spicy BBQ Glaze, I wasn't sure how the flavors would blend. After many trials, I discovered the perfect balance of spice and sweetness that truly elevates the dish. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a deliciously sticky coating that you can't resist. I love serving this with a side of coleslaw and cornbread!

One crucial tip I learned is to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in tender chicken bursting with flavor. If time allows, marinating overnight makes it even better. Trust me, you won't regret it!

You'll Love This Recipe Because
It's incredibly flavorful with a perfect kick of spice.
The glaze creates a mouthwatering sticky finish.
It's an easy, one-pan dish that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Marination Magic

The marination process is crucial for achieving flavor-packed drumsticks. By allowing the chicken to soak in the BBQ sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes, you're not just seasoning the surface but actually infusing the meat. For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating overnight in the refrigerator. This gives the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and hot sauce time to penetrate the chicken, resulting in juicy, well-seasoned meat.

If you're in a hurry, you can skip ahead after 30 minutes, but try to coat the drumsticks thoroughly before placing them on the baking sheet. A ziploc bag is perfect for this; just toss in the chicken and marinade, then give it a good shake to ensure every piece is coated.

Perfect Baking Techniques

Baking at 400°F (200°C) ensures that the chicken cooks evenly while allowing the skin to get that desirable crispiness. Make sure to check your drumsticks at the 30-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary. Look for a golden-brown skin and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer, which is essential for safe consumption.

If you prefer an even crispier skin, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye during this step, as the broiler can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time for uniform browning.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this flavor-packed chicken dish!

Ingredients

8 chicken drumsticks
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly glazed chicken!

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, hot sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken drumsticks and coat them evenly with the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Bake the Chicken

Place the marinated drumsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.

Finish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and brush a little extra BBQ sauce over the top, then return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Drumstick Chicken with Spicy BBQ Glaze!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of brown sugar to the glaze mixture. It enhances the sweetness and helps achieve that beautiful caramelization on the chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely, then wrap each drumstick in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat, you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through. For added moisture, brushing a little extra BBQ sauce before reheating will keep them from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

These drumsticks pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh garden salad. The sweetness of the BBQ glaze complements tangy sides perfectly, making your meal balanced and satisfying. If you're feeling adventurous, try serving them with a side of spicy pickles for an added kick.

For a fun twist, consider turning these drumsticks into sliders. Simply shred the cooked chicken and mix it with a little more BBQ sauce, then serve in small slider buns topped with slaw. This makes for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative and will yield a similar result!

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for optimal flavor, marinate overnight if possible.

→ Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! You can add more hot sauce to the marinade or include red pepper flakes to increase the heat.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

I recommend serving it with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.