BBQ Drumsticks

Oven-Baked BBQ Drumstick

BBQ chicken doesn’t require a grill—or perfect weather—to turn out juicy and flavorful at high altitude.

These Oven-Baked BBQ Drumsticks are designed for mountain kitchens, where dry air and faster moisture loss can easily lead to overcooked chicken.

By using a two-temperature baking method and timing the sauce application carefully, this recipe delivers tender meat, caramelized BBQ flavor, and crispy edges—without burning or drying out.

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The High Altitude Cooking Science Why Timing & Temperature Matter

AT HIGH ALTITUDE:

• Moisture evaporates faster, drying out chicken

• Sugars in BBQ sauce burn more quickly

• Oven heat can feel more intense due to lower air pressure

HIGH ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENTS:

• Starting with a higher temperature to set the skin

• Finishing at a lower temperature to cook evenly

• Adding BBQ sauce only after the chicken is partially cooked

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Easy BBQ Drumsticks

PREP TIME: 10 minutes      COOK TIME: 55-65 minutes      SERVINGS: 6

Ingredients

• 10–12 chicken drumsticks


• 1 tbsp olive oil


• 1 tsp smoked paprika


• 1 tsp garlic powder


• ½ tsp onion powder


• ½ tsp salt


• ½ tsp black pepper


• 3/4–1 cup BBQ sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the oven : Preheat to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.

2. Season the drumsticks : Pat chicken dry. Toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Bake to set the skin : Arrange drumsticks on the rack. Bake for 20 minutes.

4. Lower temperature : Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (do not remove chicken). Bake an additional 20 minutes.

5. Add BBQ sauce : Remove pan and brush drumsticks generously with BBQ sauce.

6. Finish baking : Return to oven and bake 15–20 minutes, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 175–180°F.

7. Rest & serve : Rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.

Simply Altitude Pro Tips

• Use a wire rack to allow airflow and prevent soggy bottoms

• Apply BBQ sauce late to avoid burning sugars

• Dark meat benefits from slightly higher internal temperatures

• Dry air at elevation makes resting time crucial

• Line the pan well—BBQ sauce thickens fast at altitude

Explore More High-Altitude Cooking

If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to explore our High Altitude Cooking page. It’s the combined resource for mastering the science of mountain cooking, featuring helpful adjustment charts and troubleshooting tips for every elevation.

Looking for more mountain-tested recipes? Try these next:

• High-Altitude Spinach and Bacon Tortellini: Creamy, savory and perfectly cooked.

• High-Altitude Instant Pot Chicken: Juicy and delicious classic for any occasion.