Grilled Chicken Legs – Easy 30 Minute Meal

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This grilled chicken drumsticks recipe has become my family’s weekly obsession. A simple seasoning mix and 25 minutes on the grill give you crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat. Perfect for backyard BBQs, weeknight dinners, or feeding a crowd, they’re budget-friendly and taste better than anything you’d get at a restaurant.

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I used to overthink grilling drumsticks, but this recipe proved me wrong. Combining simple seasonings and proper grilling technique creates perfectly crispy skin every time. Plus, drumsticks are affordable compared to other cuts, and any leftovers work great in salads or wraps later in the week.

What You Need

• Chicken drumsticks (10-12 pieces)
• Smoked paprika (2 tbsp needed)
• Brown sugar (1 tbsp needed)
• Garlic powder (2 tsp needed)
• Onion powder (1 tsp needed)
• Chili powder (1 tsp needed)
• Ground cumin (1/2 tsp needed)
• Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp needed)
• Salt (1 1/2 tsp needed)
• Black pepper (1/2 tsp needed)
• Olive oil (2 tbsp needed)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Ingredient Substitutes

• Regular paprika: Use 2 tbsp regular paprika + 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
• Sweet paprika: Use 2 tbsp sweet paprika for a milder flavor
• Hot paprika: Use 1 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika + 1/2 tbsp hot paprika for extra heat

Spice Level:

• Mild version: Reduce cayenne to 1/4 tsp or omit entirely
• Spicy version: Increase cayenne to 3/4 tsp or add chipotle powder

Store-Bought Rub

If you prefer to skip making your rub, I recommend using 3-4 tablespoons of the rub you choose. Below are a few of my favorite rubs to use for chicken

• Weber Smokey Sweet Rub (3-4 tbsp needed)
• McCormick Smokehouse Maple (3-4 tbsp needed)
• Traeger Chicken Rub (3-4 tbsp needed)
• Bad Byron’s Butt Rub (3-4 tbsp needed)

How to Make Grilled Chicken Legs

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Legs

Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes better browning on the grill.

Combine all rub ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This includes the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the rub ingredients together until well combined.

Brush the chicken drumsticks with olive oil, then coat evenly with the smoky paprika rub. Press the rub into the skin using your hands to ensure good adhesion. Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium heat or 350°F. If using a gas grill, preheat with the lid closed for 10-15 minutes. For charcoal grills, arrange coals for indirect cooking with a cooler zone available.

Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. To oil the grates safely, use a paper towel soaked in oil and held with tongs.

Place the chicken on the grill grates, skin side down. Don’t overcrowd the grill – leave space between each drumstick for even cooking.

Grill 8-10 minutes on each side, initially turning only once. Continue cooking, turning every few minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The total cooking time is usually 25-35 minutes, depending on the size.

Step 3: Finish the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the grill and rest for about five minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring moist and tender results.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

More Flavors to Try

Here are more flavors you can try with your grilled chicken legs.

Memphis Style: Add 1 tsp mustard powder and increase brown sugar to 2 tbsp

Tex-Mex: Add 1 tsp Mexican oregano and 1/2 tsp chipotle powder

Kansas City: Increase brown sugar to 2 tbsp, add 1 tsp garlic powder

Carolina Style: Add 1 tbsp yellow mustard powder and 1 tsp celery seed

How to Ensure Drumsticks Grill Evenly

Choose drumsticks that are similar in size – if all the drumsticks are about the same size, they’ll have similar cooking times. If you have varying sizes, place larger pieces on the hotter parts of the grill and smaller ones on cooler areas.

It’s also helpful to bring the chicken to room temperature first. Do this by taking the drumsticks out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes early. Cold chicken placed directly on the grill will cook unevenly.

Create heat zones on your grill – one side should be hotter for initial searing, and one side should be cooler for gentle finishing. This prevents burning while ensuring the chicken cooks through completely.

How To Store Leftovers and Reheat

Leftover grilled chicken legs should be stored in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. Properly stored, they will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Cooked chicken legs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Label it with the date and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Oven method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Microwave method: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until heated.

Grill method: Reheat on a preheated grill over low heat for 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally.

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What To Serve With Grilled Chicken Legs

This chicken leg recipe goes well with many dishes. Drumsticks go well with veggies, carbs, and unique side dishes.

Here are a few of our favorite side dishes for grilled chicken legs:

• Grilled Broccoli
• Grilled Garlic Bread
• Grilled Carrots with Brown Butter
• Bacon Mac and Cheese
• Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes

Smoke On!

Charlie

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