Easy Baked BBQ Chicken Drumstick with Cola BBQ Sauce Recipe

I have to confess, sometimes I just crave the sticky, sweet, tangy goodness of BBQ chicken. But when it’s so hot outside, the thought of firing up the grill and standing over it can be a bit much, especially after a long day - no thanks! That’s where my easy baked BBQ chicken drumstick recipe comes into play. No kidding, it’s a true summer lifesaver - super delicious, super easy to make, and super easy to clean up afterward. My family and I absolutely love it! So, let’s get down to it. 

Ingredients:

For chicken drumsticks:

• 8-10 chicken drumsticks, about 2 lbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For cola BBQ sauce:

• 1 cup cola
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Equipment:

• Heavy-duty bag or large bowl for seasoning
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Wireless meat thermometer or BBQ thermometer
• Small saucepan
• Basting brush
• Spatula

How Many Calories Are in a Baked Chicken Drumstick?

Generally speaking, a baked chicken drumstick with skin contains about 130-150 calories. However, if you add the cola BBQ sauce, the calorie count can increase significantly, with one tablespoon adding anywhere from 20-50 calories.

So, for our baked BBQ chicken drumstick recipe, you can estimate around 200-250 calories per drumstick. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can remove the skin after baking or reduce the amount of cola and sugar in the sauce.

How to Make the Cola BBQ Sauce?

This cola BBQ sauce is my secret weapon - the cola adds a subtle sweetness, while the acidity helps break down the proteins and tenderize the chicken slightly.

To make it, just combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer over medium, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to boil, lower the heat and keep stirring until the sauce thickens.

How to Keep BBQ Chicken from Drying Out?

If you’ve ever cooked chicken, you know that it’s easy to dry it out. But there’s a simple solution - a wireless meat or BBQ thermometer. Unlike instant read thermometers, these gadgets can be left in oven to continuously monitor the temperatures of the meat and the oven, and alert you when it’s about to reach the perfect cooking point to avoid overcooking.

In addition, basting chicken drumsticks with BBQ sauce several times during the baking process will help form a protective layer on the outside and lock in moisture inside. After baking, let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes, and the redistributed juices will also make them more tender and flavorful.

How to Bake Chicken Drumsticks in Oven?

Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s the step-by-step guide to baking tender, juicy BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven:

Step 1: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. In a heavy-duty bag, toss the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Then massage them through the bag to allow the seasoning to penetrate. If possible, seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor absorption.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks on the sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other.

Step 3: Insert the meat probe into the thickest part of a chicken drumstick, avoiding the bone. If you have a thermometer like the INT-14-BW that has 4 wireless probes, you can monitor the temperature of multiple chicken drumsticks at once, which will ensure they are all cooked evenly.

Step 4: Bake the chicken drumsticks in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, flipping them once during that time. Afterward, take the baking sheet out and brush the chicken with about half of the cola BBQ sauce. Return it back in the oven and bake for another 15 minutes. Once that’s done, remove the baking sheet again and apply the rest of the sauce. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is sticky and beautifully caramelized.

Step 5: Let the baked chicken drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.

Storage and Reheating

If you follow my recipe and cook the right amount of chicken drumsticks, you can expect no leftovers. However, accidents can happen. In case you do have some chicken left over, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you use a vacuum sealer, it can last up to 5-7 days.

To reheat, I recommend using an air fryer. Place the chicken drumsticks in the basket and fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat them using the oven. Just preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake chicken drumsticks on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. Whichever method you choose, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.