Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

The smell of grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks sizzling over the flame is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. As the chicken crisps up on the outside, that smoky aroma fills the air, blending perfectly with the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. The secret to that irresistible crispy skin is the perfect balance of heat and timing. Grill them over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the skin is golden brown and slightly charred, with just a hint of caramelization from the sauce. Inside, the meat stays juicy and tender, soaking up all those delicious smoky flavors.

The BBQ sauce, whether tangy or sweet, sticks to the skin in all the right ways, creating a sticky, flavorful coating that’s practically begging to be licked off your fingers. What I love about grilling drumsticks is how each one can hold just the right amount of sauce without drowning in it—every bite has that perfect sweet, smoky punch. And if you’re in the mood to get creative, you can always swap out your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce for something homemade, with a little extra kick from chili powder or a splash of vinegar. Just make sure to keep an eye on them as they grill; the sauce can burn if you’re not careful, but the results are so worth it when you get it just right.

Key Ingredients in Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

To make these grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks truly mouthwatering, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the flavor, creating that perfect balance of sweetness, smokiness, and just the right amount of spice.

• Chicken drumsticks
  The star of the show! Tender, juicy, and perfect for grilling, drumsticks have a bit more fat than other cuts, which helps keep them moist and flavorful during cooking.
• Olive oil
  This adds a rich, smooth texture to the chicken skin, helping it crisp up beautifully on the grill. Plus, it helps the seasoning stick while adding a touch of fruity flavor.
• BBQ sauce
  Sweet, tangy, and smoky—BBQ sauce is what gives this dish its iconic flavor. It coats the drumsticks, caramelizing as they cook, and creates that irresistible sticky glaze.
• Honey
  A touch of honey brings sweetness and helps with the caramelization process. It also balances the acidity in the BBQ sauce and adds a subtle, natural sweetness to the chicken.
• Apple cider vinegar
  A splash of apple cider vinegar adds brightness and a little tang, cutting through the richness of the BBQ sauce and honey. It helps balance the overall flavor, so it’s not too sweet.
• Garlic powder
  A pantry staple that gives the chicken a deep, savory flavor with a slight sweetness. It enhances the other spices and adds complexity to the dish.
• Onion powder
  Onion powder brings a mild, savory depth that complements the garlic and helps round out the flavor profile of the drumsticks.
• Smoked paprika
  This is the key to that smoky, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the BBQ sauce. It also gives the chicken a vibrant reddish hue as it grills.
• Salt
  Salt is a flavor enhancer that brings out the best in all the other ingredients, helping the seasonings meld together and seasoning the chicken evenly.
• Black pepper
  A dash of black pepper adds a subtle heat and a sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the BBQ sauce and honey.
• Cayenne pepper
  For those who like a little extra kick, cayenne pepper adds a spicy heat that balances out the sweetness and smoky flavors, giving the chicken a nice, warming finish.

How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Serving Suggestions for Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

• Creamy coleslaw: The crunch and tanginess of a creamy coleslaw perfectly balances the richness of the BBQ chicken. The cool, crisp cabbage provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky, savory flavors of the drumsticks, making each bite feel like a little celebration of textures and tastes.
• Grilled corn on the cob: There’s something magical about grilled corn on the cob alongside BBQ chicken. The slight char from the grill, paired with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of chili powder or lime, adds a sweet, smoky side that complements the chicken’s flavors beautifully. Plus, it’s just so fun to eat!
• Fresh garden salad: A simple, vibrant garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing is a great way to cut through the richness of the drumsticks. The fresh, crisp veggies add a burst of brightness, and the tangy dressing provides just the right amount of zing to keep things exciting on your palate.

How to Store Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store your grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks so they stay as delicious as when they first hit the grill.

• Refrigerate: Allow the drumsticks to cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is the best way to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, ready for your next meal.
• Freeze: If you want to enjoy your BBQ drumsticks down the road, freezing them is a great option. Wrap the chicken in foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap before placing them in a resealable plastic bag. They’ll last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just reheat on the grill or in the oven, and they’ll taste almost as good as fresh!
• Reheat: To preserve that crispy skin, reheat the drumsticks on the grill over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally. If you’re using an oven, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For extra sauciness, brush them with a little more BBQ sauce before reheating.

No matter how you store them, just remember: the longer they sit, the more those amazing BBQ flavors meld and develop, so don’t feel bad about savoring them the next day!

Conclusion

And there you have it! Grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks that are perfectly smoky, juicy, and absolutely irresistible. From the smoky char on the outside to the tender, flavorful meat inside, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ or family gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, these drumsticks are simple enough to make, but packed with flavor that will impress everyone at the table.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with your favorite BBQ sauces, add a little extra heat, or even play around with different side dishes. There’s no wrong way to enjoy these drumsticks!

So, I’d love to hear how it goes if you try this recipe. Did you make any tweaks? How did your grilling turn out? If you have any questions or need a little extra guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Cooking is all about having fun and making it your own, and I’m here to help however I can.

Enjoy those drumsticks, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

Print Recipe

Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 300

Description

Juicy chicken drumsticks, perfectly charred on the outside, tender and smoky on the inside, slathered in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce. Every bite bursts with savory sweetness, balanced by a hint of spice—grilled to mouthwatering perfection!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 chicken drumsticks

• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil

• ¹⁄₂ cup BBQ sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, BBQ sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
4. Whisk the ingredients together until the marinade is smooth and well combined.
5. Place the drumsticks in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
6. Pour the marinade over the chicken drumsticks, ensuring they are evenly coated.
7. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but preferably 1 to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to marinate.
8. Once the grill is preheated, remove the drumsticks from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
9. Place the drumsticks on the grill over indirect heat, ensuring they are not directly over the flames to prevent burning.
10. Grill the drumsticks for about 25 to 30 minutes, turning them every 5 to 7 minutes, to ensure even cooking and to get a nice char on the outside.
11. During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the drumsticks with additional BBQ sauce for extra flavor and a glossy finish.
12. Check the internal temperature of the drumsticks using a meat thermometer, aiming for a reading of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
13. Once the drumsticks are cooked through and have reached the appropriate temperature, remove them from the grill.
14. Let the drumsticks rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
15. Serve the grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks with your favorite sides and enjoy the smoky, flavorful result.

Note

• Ensure the chicken drumsticks are completely dry before marinating to help the marinade adhere better.
• For a deeper smoky flavor, substitute regular paprika with more smoked paprika.
• If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
• You can use a basting brush to apply BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling to avoid burning.
• For extra crispy skin, sear the drumsticks over direct heat for a minute or two before moving to indirect heat.

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