Baked Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks
Juicy, sticky, and finger-lickin’ good—these drumsticks are a no-fuss family favorite!
Looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing chicken dinner that delivers bold BBQ flavor with minimal effort? These Baked Sweet Baby Ray’s Chicken Drumsticks check every box! They’re oven-baked until tender and golden, then slathered with everyone’s favorite Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce and baked again until beautifully caramelized.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual cookouts, or game-day eats—this recipe is all about big flavor, crispy edges, and juicy meat with only 10 minutes of hands-on prep!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season the Drumsticks
In a large bowl, toss the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake – Round One
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
4. Add the Sauce
Remove the drumsticks from the oven and brush each one generously with Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce.
5. Bake – Round Two
Return the drumsticks to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce becomes sticky and caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Let Them Rest
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and keeps the meat extra tender.
Tips & Variations
- Want some heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
- Feeding picky eaters? Keep the seasoning simple, and let each person brush on their own BBQ sauce at the table.
- Slow cooker method: Toss seasoned drumsticks into a slow cooker with BBQ sauce. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until tender.
- Crispier skin? Broil the drumsticks for 1–2 minutes at the end to get those gorgeous caramelized edges.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
- Creamy coleslaw
- Roasted corn on the cob
- Baked mac and cheese
- Potato wedges or cornbread
These drumsticks are crispy, juicy, and coated in that sticky-sweet BBQ glaze that everyone loves. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting a casual backyard dinner, this easy recipe always hits the spot!
