If you’re searching for a dinner winner that sparks joy on every plate, these Grilled Chicken Drumsticks deserve a front-row seat in your meal rotation! Smoky, savory, juicy, and seasoned to perfection, this recipe transforms ordinary drumsticks into a backyard barbecue showstopper. Whether you’re cooking for a family feast or a simple weeknight supper, you’ll love how easy—and delicious—these are.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor, Little Effort: A simple blend of spices and a quick grill session deliver juicy, smoky, and memorable grilled chicken drumsticks every single time.
- Perfect For Gatherings: Drumsticks are economical, fun to eat, and always disappear fast at family cookouts or potlucks.
- Versatile Seasoning: The rub is endlessly customizable—from spicy to mild, just adjust the cayenne and paprika to please your crowd.
- No-Fuss Clean-Up: These beauties go straight from grill to plate—minimal cleanup means maximum summer enjoyment!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these grilled chicken drumsticks lies in just a handful of humble ingredients, each adding its own special touch. From a punchy spice mix to quality olive oil, every element brings flavor, color, and tenderness—so don’t skip a thing!
- Chicken drumsticks (6-8): The star of your grill—choose fresh drumsticks for maximum juiciness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps keep the chicken moist and makes the seasonings cling beautifully.
- Garlic powder (1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons): Loads the chicken with a bold, savory kick—feel free to go heavy if you love garlic!
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with gentle sweetness and depth.
- Smoked paprika (3/4 teaspoon): Brings smokiness and vibrant color that screams “grilled.”
- Ground mustard (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang and brightness to the spice blend.
- Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat—add more or less based on your spice tolerance!
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for amplifying all the savory notes in the chicken.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a subtly spicy finish to every bite.
Variations
One of the best things about grilled chicken drumsticks? You can riff endlessly. Mix up the spices, swap out the oil, or add a sauce for a creative twist—this is your go-to recipe for all sorts of flavor adventures.
- Sweet & Spicy: Toss in a tablespoon of brown sugar to your spice blend for caramelized, sticky-sweet drumsticks with a gentle heat.
- Herby Mediterranean: Swap smoked paprika for dried oregano and add a squeeze of lemon right off the grill for fresh, zesty flavor.
- BBQ Glazed: Brush the drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling for a saucy, crowd-pleasing finish.
- Low-Sodium: Reduce salt to taste and amp up the garlic and fresh herbs for vibrant flavor without the extra sodium.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Grill
Before you do anything else, fire up your grill to medium-high—aim for a steady 400°F to 450°F. While it’s heating, take a couple minutes to clean the grates, oil them lightly, and set yourself up for nonstick, crispy-skinned success later.
Step 2: Pat and Season the Drumsticks
Blot those drumsticks well with paper towels—the drier, the crispier the skin will become. Brush each piece with olive oil, then combine all your spices, salt, and pepper. Rub the blend all over (don’t forget under the skin!) for flavor in every juicy bite.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Arrange the seasoned chicken drumsticks directly on the grill, making sure to give them space so they cook evenly. Close the lid and grill for about 25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Aim for an internal temp of 185°F—that’s the magic number for truly tender, juicy meat.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once your grilled chicken drumsticks are done, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute, so every drumstick comes out succulent and bursting with flavor when you dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Room Temperature Start: For even grilling, let your drumsticks sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes before they hit the fire.
- Spice Under the Skin: Loosen the skin gently and rub seasoning underneath for flavor-packed chicken, even if someone skips the skin.
- Crispy Perfection: Patting the chicken dry is your secret weapon for that crave-worthy, golden, crackly skin.
- Oil the Grill, Not Just the Chicken: Rubbing the grill grates with oil (or even half an onion) prevents sticking and helps deliver those beautiful grill marks.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Garnishes
Add a vibrant shower of chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or chives right before serving for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Lemon wedges on the side are also fantastic for squeezing a touch of brightness over hot, smoky drumsticks.
Side Dishes
Pair your grilled chicken drumsticks with classic barbecue favorites—think creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, grilled veggies, or a tangy potato salad. Even a simple tossed green salad or crusty bread turns this into a knockout meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange drumsticks upright in a mason jar or tumbler for a playful appetizer look, or fan them out on a serving platter with a dip or two in the center. For picnics or potlucks, nestle them in a lined basket and let everyone help themselves!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover drumsticks cool completely, then wrap them snugly in foil or an airtight container. They’ll happily keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready for quick lunches or impromptu picnics.
Freezing
Grilled chicken drumsticks freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap individually in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor before reheating.
Reheating
For the juiciest reheated drumsticks, warm them in a covered baking dish at 325°F until hot—about 15–20 minutes. For crispy skin, a few extra minutes under the broiler works wonders. Microwave is fine in a pinch, though the skin may soften slightly.
FAQs
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Do I have to use a gas grill for this recipe?
No! Grilled chicken drumsticks turn out beautifully on any type of grill—gas, charcoal, or even a grill pan indoors. Adjust the cooking time and heat source as needed, but the technique and seasoning work across the board.
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Can I use this recipe for chicken thighs or wings?
Absolutely. This seasoning blend is fantastic on thighs or wings—just watch the cook times, as they may be shorter (especially for wings), and check for doneness with a thermometer.
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How can I tell when the drumsticks are done?
The surest way is to use an instant-read thermometer. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 185°F—at this temp, the meat is tender, juicy, and practically falls off the bone!
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Can I prepare the drumsticks ahead of time?
Yes! You can season or even fully cook the chicken in advance. Store them covered in the fridge, then reheat on the grill or in the oven. They are perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the sizzle and aroma of grilled chicken drumsticks on a sunny day—or the joy of seeing friends and family reach for seconds! If you love bold, juicy, crowd-pleasing dishes, go ahead and fire up the grill. You’re going to love every delicious bite.
Print
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 drumsticks 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are seasoned to perfection and cooked on the grill for juicy, flavorful results. A simple yet delicious recipe that’s perfect for a summer barbecue or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6–8 chicken legs (drumsticks)
Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp 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 pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to a temperature of 400°F-450°F.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken drumsticks, brush with olive oil, and season with the spice mix.
- Grill the Chicken: Clean and oil the grill, then cook the drumsticks for about 25 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 185°F.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Let chicken legs come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
- Season under the skin as well for better flavor distribution.
- 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: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
