Oven BBQ Chicken

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   PREHEAT AND PREP: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup - the BBQ sauce will caramelize and become sticky. Place a wire rack on top if you have one (this helps the chicken crisp on all sides).

2. 2

   MAKE THE BBQ GLAZE: In a bowl, whisk together the GF BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The vinegar adds tanginess and the brown sugar helps with caramelization. Set aside 1/3 cup for serving.

3. 3

   PREPARE THE CHICKEN: Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet (or wire rack) with space between each piece for even cooking.

4. 4

   FIRST BAKE: Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. This initial bake starts cooking the chicken through before adding the sauce, which would burn if added from the start.

5. 5

   ADD THE SAUCE: Remove from oven. Using a basting brush, coat each drumstick generously with the BBQ glaze. Return to oven and bake another 15 minutes. The sauce will start to set and become tacky.

6. 6

   CARAMELIZE: Remove and brush with another layer of sauce. Switch oven to broil (high). Broil 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the sauce caramelizes and develops dark, sticky spots. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part without touching bone.

7. 7

   SERVE: Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with the reserved sauce on the side for dipping. Pairs perfectly with coleslaw and corn on the cob for a classic BBQ meal.