Are you looking for a simple yet delicious way to cook chicken drumsticks? This recipe for grilled chicken drumsticks is precisely what you need; you’ll end up with super juicy chicken and crispy skin.
Juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, these drumsticks can be seasoned to your liking and grilled to perfection for a smoky, crispy exterior.
Whether hosting a BBQ or craving a healthy, protein-packed meal, this recipe will become a go-to option that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love These Drumsticks
You’ll love this grilled chicken drumsticks recipe because it delivers bold, smoky flavors with minimal effort. The simple marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect blend of spices, ensuring juicy, tender meat with every bite.
Whether you’re new to grilling or a seasoned pro, this recipe is easy to follow and requires only a few essential ingredients. It’s a foolproof way to enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual BBQs!
What You’ll Need
- Chicken Drumsticks
- Kosher Salt
- Baking Powder
- Olive Oil
Dry Rub:
- Light Brown Sugar
- Italian Seasoning
- Paprika
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Ground Pepper
How to Grill Chicken Drumsticks
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with kosher salt and baking powder. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully when grilling. Let the chicken rest for about 20 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the dry rub.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Rub
Combine the light brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground pepper in a small bowl. Stir the ingredients together until evenly mixed. You don’t have to make the dry rub you can also use a store brought rub.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Olive Oil and Dry Rub
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring each drumstick is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle the dry rub generously over the drumsticks, ensuring every piece is evenly seasoned for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375°F (190°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Place the drumsticks on the grill, spacing them out evenly. Grill the chicken for about 30-35 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes to cook evenly on all sides. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C), and the skin should be golden and crispy.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the drumsticks from the grill and rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making the chicken extra tender. Serve hot and enjoy!
What Temperature to Grill At
For perfectly grilled chicken drumsticks, aim to cook them at a temperature of around 375°F to 400°F. Start by searing the drumsticks over direct heat to get a nice char, then move them to indirect heat to finish cooking. This method ensures the outside gets crispy while the inside stays juicy and tender.
What Internal Temperature You Need to Reach
To ensure your grilled chicken drumsticks are fully cooked and safe to eat, the internal temperature must reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the drumstick without touching the bone.
For best results, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute before serving.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover grilled chicken drumsticks, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days.
For longer storage, place the drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave them in short intervals for a quicker option.
What To Serve With Drumsticks
Below are some of my favorite sides to pair with the drumsticks.
Sides:
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Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 whole chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ Rub If you dont want to make a rub you can use store brough rub
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel. Toss the drumsticks with kosher salt and baking powder in a large bowl. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully when grilling. Let the chicken rest for about 20 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the dry rub.
- Combine the light brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground pepper in a small bowl. Stir the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring each drumstick is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle the dry rub generously over the drumsticks, ensuring every piece is evenly seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375°F (190°C). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Place the drumsticks on the grill, spacing them out evenly. Grill the chicken for about 30-35 minutes, turning every 5-7 minutes to cook evenly on all sides. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C), and the skin should be golden and crispy.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the drumsticks from the grill and rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to be redistributed, making the chicken extra tender. Serve hot and enjoy!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Author: Charlie Reeves
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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