If you’re craving a smoky, crispy, and finger-licking good chicken dinner, this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s packed with flavor and just so satisfying to eat straight off the bone!

Nine pieces of grilled chicken drumsticks covered in shiny, dark reddish-brown sauce with some blackened spots from grilling. The drumsticks are arranged on white parchment paper placed on a wooden board. On the right side, there is a small glass jar filled with the same sauce and a metal spoon inside. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and honestly, every single time it brings that perfect balance of smoky spice and crispy skin that makes you want to go back for seconds—or thirds!

Easy Preparation: You only need a handful of simple ingredients and about 15 minutes to get these ready.
Perfectly Crispy Skin: The spice blend combined with olive oil gives the skin a beautiful, crispy texture on the grill.
Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether you’ve got a gas grill, charcoal, air fryer, or even just an oven, this recipe adapts nicely.
Great for Any Occasion: Weeknight meals or weekend BBQs, these drumsticks fit right in with their smoky, irresistible flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Grab yourself some fresh chicken drumsticks and a few pantry staples to make this magic happen. Choosing a good-quality BBQ sauce that suits your dietary needs is key because it really ties all the flavors together at the end.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken drumsticks with smooth skin and natural coloring, a few sprigs of dried chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper arranged neatly as small white ceramic bowls each containing one spice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich, glossy BBQ sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden olive oil, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically around the ingredients, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken drumsticks: The star of the show, offering juicy meat with skin that crisps up beautifully on the grill.
BBQ sauce: Adds sweetness, tang, and that finger-licking glaze in the final steps.
Olive oil: Helps the spice blend stick and promotes crispy, golden skin.
Chili powder: Brings a warm, smoky heat that’s not overpowering.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the chicken slightly.
Black pepper: Adds a mild kick and sharpness to the seasoning.
Garlic powder: For that irresistible savory background flavor.
Smoked paprika: Deepens the smoky notes that complement the BBQ sauce perfectly.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the spice blend.
Cayenne pepper (optional): A little heat boost for those who like a kick in their BBQ.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're catering to dietary preferences or just switching up flavors for the season, there’s room to make it uniquely yours.

Smoky & Spicy Kick: I love adding a little extra cayenne pepper or even some chipotle powder to the BBQ spice blend for an extra smoky heat that wakes up the taste buds.
Sweet & Tangy Twist: Swap your BBQ sauce for a sweeter, fruit-based sauce like peach or pineapple BBQ to add a bright, tropical flavor—perfect for summer grilling sessions.
Low-Sodium Version: For those watching salt intake, reduce the added salt in the spice blend and choose a low-sodium BBQ sauce. The smoked paprika and garlic powder still bring plenty of flavor!
Gluten-Free Friendly: Just double-check your BBQ sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free, and you have a safe and scrumptious meal for everyone.
Air Fryer Adaptation: When time is tight, the air fryer method delivers crispy, juicy drumsticks with minimal fuss but all the great flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

On a white plate resting on a white marbled surface, there are three grilled drumsticks placed in the lower right area, showing a shiny reddish-brown color with some charred spots. Above the drumsticks, two green pickle spears lie side by side, adding a fresh look. On the left side of the plate, a creamy scoop of light yellow potato salad is topped with small green herb pieces and a sprinkle of black pepper. A silver fork is placed along the left edge of the plate, with its prongs pointing towards the potato salad. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix Up the Perfect BBQ Spice Blend

I start by combining chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (optional) in a small bowl. Stirring them together blends all those smoky, spicy, and savory notes that will coat the chicken beautifully. This spice mix is your flavor foundation, so make sure it’s well combined.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

Pat each drumstick dry with paper towels—this is key to getting that crispy skin on the grill. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil to help the spice blend stick and to encourage even browning. Then sprinkle the seasoning mix over each piece, rubbing it in so every inch is coated with flavor.

Step 3: Heat Up Your Grill to 400°F

I preheat my gas grill to medium-high heat, aiming for about 400°F. If you’re using charcoal, set up two heat zones: one side medium-high and the other medium-low. Clean, well-oiled grates prevent sticking and make flipping the drumsticks a breeze.

Step 4: Grill Over Direct Heat Until Skin Is Crispy

Place the drumsticks directly over the medium-high heat. It’s important to turn them every few minutes so all sides get beautifully browned and crisped up. You’ll notice the skin tightening and taking on a rich, golden color—that’s your cue to move on to the next step.

Step 5: Finish Cooking Over Indirect Heat

After achieving that crisp skin, move the chicken to the cooler part of the grill (about 300°F on a gas grill or the medium-low side on charcoal). Close the lid and let the heat work its magic for about 25 minutes. Don’t forget to turn the drumsticks once halfway through to ensure even cooking throughout.

Step 6: Glaze with BBQ Sauce for That Perfect Finish

During the last few minutes on the grill, generously brush the drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce. This creates a sticky, delectable glaze that’s packed with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness and tang.

Step 7: Check Internal Temperature and Serve!

Always use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the best way to guarantee juicy, safe-to-eat drumsticks. Serve them hot off the grill for the ultimate finger-licking experience!

Top Tip

Getting those drumsticks perfectly crispy with deep smoky flavor can seem tricky — but a few simple pointers really make all the difference when you try this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe.

Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Drying the chicken skin thoroughly with paper towels before applying oil and spices is key. It helps the skin crisp up beautifully on the grill without steaming.
Two-Zone Grilling Method: Starting on direct medium-high heat to crisp the skin, then moving to indirect medium-low heat to finish cooking through prevents burnt spots and juicy inside.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking for 165°F internal temperature ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe – no guessing required.
BBQ Sauce Glaze at the End: Brush the sauce during the last few minutes on the grill to avoid burning sugars but still get that sticky, finger-licking finish.

How to Serve Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Two side-by-side images show a white bowl filled with chicken drumsticks. The left bowl holds raw drumsticks sprinkled with layers of spices—the top layer includes red and black powders, evenly covering the pale pink skin. The right bowl shows the same drumsticks after being mixed with the spices, their skin now fully coated in a reddish-brown seasoning, giving them a textured, slightly sticky look with visible spice granules. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, and a brown container is in the upper right corner of both images. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it fresh and simple with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro sprinkled over the chicken to brighten the smoky, rich flavors. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving adds a lovely tangy contrast. You can also scatter sliced green onions or serve with pickled jalapeños for a little extra kick.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or tangy baked beans. For a lighter option, grilled vegetables or a crisp green salad provide a refreshing balance. Don’t forget some crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up any extra BBQ sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover grilled chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days, making for perfect quick lunches or snacks later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze the cooled drumsticks in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the skin regains some crispiness. You can also reheat gently on a grill or in an air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture crispy instead of soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other parts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While drumsticks are perfect for this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe due to their juicy dark meat, you can also use thighs or wings with similar seasoning and cooking methods. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they reach 165°F internally.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce—whether it’s sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Just make sure it aligns with any dietary preferences or restrictions you have. The key is to brush it at the end to avoid burning the sugars during grilling.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken drumsticks mixed with oil and spices in the refrigerator for up to 18 hours before you grill. This helps deepen the flavors and saves time on the day you’re cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest and best way is to use a meat thermometer and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear when the chicken is pierced.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy, smoky, and saucy grilled chicken drumstick fresh off the grill. This Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe brings a simple yet satisfying flavor to your table, whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a lively backyard barbecue. Remember, the secret is in the spice blend, the two-stage grilling, and that glorious final glaze of BBQ sauce. So fire up your grill, invite some friends or family, and enjoy every finger-licking bite!