Get ready to fall in love with these juicy, flavor-packed Grilled Chicken Drumsticks! They’re simple to prep, generously seasoned, and irresistibly crispy on the outside—one bite, and you’ll understand why they always disappear first at backyard gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, Flavorful Skin: A quick spice rub and high-heat grilling create a super crispy exterior while locking in juicy tenderness.
- No-Fuss Prep: Just a handful of pantry ingredients and a simple technique—no overnight marinating or complicated steps required.
- Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the cayenne for a mild kick or ramp it up if you’re a spice fan—this recipe flexes with your preferences.
- Year-Round Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for summer BBQs or cozy indoor grill nights, Grilled Chicken Drumsticks never go out of season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the backbone of perfect Grilled Chicken Drumsticks—each one plays an essential role in flavor, color, or crispiness. It’s amazing how just a few strategic seasonings can wake up the humble drumstick!
- 6-8 chicken legs (drumsticks): The star of the show! Drumsticks are naturally juicy, affordable, and easy to handle on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps seasonings stick to the meat and encourages that gorgeous crispy skin.
- 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder: Lends a deep, savory flavor—feel free to go heavy if you’re a garlic lover like me.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering the other spices.
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a touch of smoky richness and intense color, amplifying that classic grilled taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard: Brings brightness and just a hint of tang, balancing the savory notes perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives these drumsticks a gentle kick—add more or less based on your spice preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and infusing every bite with flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Rounds everything out with just the right amount of warmth and bite.
Variations
One of the best things about Grilled Chicken Drumsticks is how flexible the recipe can be! Mix and match flavors or adjust what you use—this dish truly adapts to your cravings and any ingredients you have on hand.
- Herb-Forward: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the spice mix for a Mediterranean twist.
- BBQ Lover’s Version: Brush drumsticks with your favorite barbecue sauce in the last 5 minutes for sticky, caramelized glaze.
- Low-Sodium: Halve the salt and amp up the fresh lemon zest for a lighter, zippier flavor.
- Global Spice Blends: Swap out the spice mix for a little curry powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun blend—each time you grill, it’s a new adventure!
How to Make Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Grill
Start by firing up your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for that sweet spot between 400°F and 450°F. While it’s heating, give your grill grates a quick clean if needed. This helps keep your precious drumsticks from sticking and encourages beautiful grill marks.
Step 2: Dry and Season the Drumsticks
Pat each drumstick completely dry with paper towels for irresistibly crispy skin. Brush the chicken legs all over with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix all the spices, salt, and pepper together, then sprinkle generously over the drumsticks and gently rub it in, making sure to get seasoning under the skin for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Once your grill is ready, oil the grates to prevent sticking—a quick swipe with an oil-soaked paper towel works wonders. Arrange the chicken drumsticks evenly across the grill and let them cook for about 25 minutes, turning them every 5 minutes for even browning and that signature grill-kissed look. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 185°F for the most tender, juicy meat.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once done, let your Grilled Chicken Drumsticks rest for around 5 minutes. This helps those delicious juices settle back into the meat. Trust me—this tiny wait is so worth it when you take your first bite!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Room Temperature Ready: Take the drumsticks out of the fridge about 20 minutes before grilling for even cooking throughout.
- Season Under the Skin: Don’t just season the surface! Gently lift the skin and rub some spice mix underneath for bold, all-over flavor.
- Crispy Skin Secret: Make sure the chicken is dry before oiling and seasoning—this simple step is key for that golden, crackly finish.
- High Heat, Tender Meat: Cooking drumsticks to 185°F (not just 165°F) makes them incredibly tender and prevents any stringy texture.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over your platter for a pop of color and freshness. For a little extra zing, scatter some lemon wedges around the drumsticks—just a quick squeeze over the top elevates every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with classic corn on the cob, crisp coleslaw, or a cool potato salad. For lighter fare, toss together a simple cucumber and tomato salad—these sides complement the rich, smoky flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style dinner, pile the drumsticks high on a rustic wooden board alongside dipping sauces. Hosting a picnic? Wrap each drumstick in parchment and tie with twine for adorable, portable treats. Or thread them onto skewers for a playful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cool, wrap any leftover drumsticks tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep deliciously fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for grab-and-go lunches or snacks.
Freezing
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled drumsticks on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the drumsticks in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through and the skin crisps back up. You can also use your air fryer for quick, crispy results—just heat for a few minutes until piping hot.
FAQs
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Can I make Grilled Chicken Drumsticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can season the drumsticks up to a day in advance and keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. After grilling, leftovers are perfect for meal prep and easy to reheat without losing their delicious flavor or texture.
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What if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
No worries! You can cook Grilled Chicken Drumsticks on a grill pan over the stove, or even under the broiler in your oven. Just turn them frequently and keep an eye out for good color and doneness.
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How do I know when chicken drumsticks are done?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here! The ideal internal temperature for the juiciest drumsticks is about 185°F. The juices should run clear and the meat should be wonderfully tender.
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Can I use other cuts of chicken in this recipe?
Definitely! This spice blend works wonderfully on thighs or wings. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of your pieces to ensure everything cooks through and stays juicy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a go-to easy dinner that’s packed with flavor and fun to eat, these Grilled Chicken Drumsticks will become an instant favorite. Light up your grill and treat yourself to the ultimate crowd-pleaser—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 drumsticks 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
Description
These Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and grilled to juicy perfection. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner, these drumsticks are easy to make and full of delicious smoky flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6–8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 T olive oil
- 1 – 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high (400°F-450°F).
- Prepare the chicken: Pat dry the drumsticks, brush with olive oil, and season with the spice mix.
- Grill the chicken: Clean and oil the grill, place drumsticks on the grill. Cook for 25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 185°F.
- Rest and serve: Remove from grill, let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Let chicken legs come to room temperature before grilling.
- Season under the skin for more flavor.
- Cook drumsticks to 185°F for tender meat.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispy skin.
- Oil the grill to prevent sticking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
