Description
These easy grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. Marinated with a smoky spice blend and basted with your favorite BBQ sauce, they deliver finger-licking good taste every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lb chicken drumsticks (legs)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose one that aligns with your dietary restrictions)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
BBQ Spice Blend
- 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Make the spice blend: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to mix the spices thoroughly.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat each chicken drumstick dry completely with paper towels. Drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil, then sprinkle and rub the BBQ spice blend evenly over the chicken pieces to coat thoroughly.
- Preheat the grill: If using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat around 400°F. For charcoal grills, arrange coals to create a two-zone fire with one side medium-high and the other medium-low heat zones.
- Grill the chicken on direct heat: Place the chicken drumsticks on the clean, oiled grates directly over the medium-high heat. Turn every few minutes until the skin is browned and crispy on all sides.
- Move to indirect heat and cook through: Lower the heat to medium-low (about 300°F on gas) or move chicken to the cooler side of the charcoal grill. Close the lid and cook for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Brush with BBQ sauce: In the last few minutes of cooking, generously brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Check doneness and serve: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately for best taste and juiciness.
Notes
- For advance preparation, marinate the chicken with oil and spices, then cover and refrigerate for up to 18 hours before grilling.
- Air fryer adaptation: Preheat to 400°F, lightly oil the basket, cook drumsticks in batches for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through. Check for 165°F internal temperature.
- Oven adaptation: Bake at 400°F on a foil or parchment-lined sheet for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and perfect juiciness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
