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Easy Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe for Perfect Corn Dinner

crispy BBQ chicken drumsticks - featured image

This easy crispy BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with crackly skin and a smoky-sweet BBQ glaze, paired perfectly with buttered corn on the cob. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds / 900 grams), skin-on
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 ears corn on the cob, husked and cleaned
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss well to coat each drumstick evenly.
  4. Arrange the drumsticks on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet, spacing them apart for air circulation.
  5. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 15 minutes). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven and brush each drumstick generously with BBQ sauce.
  7. Switch the oven to broil and place the drumsticks under the broiler for 5-7 minutes, watching closely to caramelize the sauce and crisp the skin.
  8. While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the corn and cook for 6-8 minutes until tender. Drain.
  9. Brush the cooked corn with melted butter and sprinkle with chili powder if using.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving alongside the corn.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is key for crispy skin. Using a wire rack elevates the drumsticks to prevent sogginess. Apply BBQ sauce only after baking to avoid burning. Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning. If no broiler is available, finish cooking at 425°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes but skin will be less crispy. Corn can be steamed if frozen. For gluten-free, verify BBQ sauce ingredients or make your own.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, crispy chicken drumsticks, easy chicken recipe, corn dinner, baked chicken, broiled chicken, summer dinner, quick dinner