There is something mighty comforting about a pan of chicken drumsticks baked right in the oven with just a handful of pantry staples. This kind of supper has the good sense of old Midwestern cooking written all over it: simple ingredients, very little fuss, and a dinner table that smells so good folks start wandering into the kitchen before you call them. When you need a dependable family meal that stretches well and pleases just about everybody, this 5-ingredient oven chicken is one of those trusty recipes worth keeping close.
Serve these drumsticks with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or a pan of roasted potatoes to catch the savory juices. A side of green beans, sweet corn, glazed carrots, or a crisp garden salad rounds things out nicely, and a piece of warm bread or a biscuit is always welcome for mopping up the sauce in the dish.
Servings: 4 to 6
8 raw chicken drumsticks
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a rectangular glass baking dish if needed, then arrange the raw chicken drumsticks in a single layer.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. Pour the sauce over the drumsticks and turn them right in the dish so they are evenly coated on all sides.
4. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, then carefully turn the drumsticks with tongs and spoon some of the sauce from the dish over the top.
5. Return the dish to the oven and bake 20 to 25 minutes more, or until the chicken is nicely browned, the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle a bit and the sauce clings nicely to each drumstick.
Use a different sauce: If barbecue sauce is not your family's favorite, try chili sauce, honey mustard, or even a simple mix of ketchup and a little brown sugar for a sweeter old-fashioned glaze.
Add a little heat: Stir a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of hot sauce into the mixture if you like a little zip. It wakes up the sweet and savory flavors without changing the ease of the recipe.
Make cleanup easier: A light coating of oil or nonstick spray in the dish helps prevent sticking, especially if your sauce has a bit of sugar in it and tends to caramelize around the edges.
Cook evenly: Try to choose drumsticks that are close in size so they finish at the same time. If some are much larger than others, give the biggest pieces a few extra minutes and always check doneness with a thermometer.
Turn it into a full meal: Nestle thick onion wedges or chunks of potatoes around the chicken before baking. They will soak up the flavorful drippings and make the whole supper feel hearty and complete.
