If you’re craving flavorful, juicy chicken with that unbeatable crispy skin, you’ve got to try this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe. It’s one of those go-to dishes that’s perfect for weeknights or weekend cookouts alike, with simple ingredients and a smoky, tangy finish.

The image shows eight grilled chicken drumsticks on white parchment paper placed on a wooden board. The drumsticks have a shiny, sticky reddish-brown glaze with charred spots and grill marks, giving them a slightly crispy texture. To the right side of the board, there is a small glass jar with extra sauce, partially filled and a spoon inside. The background is a white marbled texture. 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 these grilled chicken drumsticks for everything from casual dinners to summer BBQs, and every time they disappear fast. The combination of a homemade BBQ spice rub and a finish with tangy sauce brings the flavor to a whole new level, and the grill gives that perfect crispiness you just can’t beat.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have the spices and pantry staples to whip this up without a special trip.
Perfectly Crispy Skin: Thanks to the high heat grilling and spice rub, the skin crisps beautifully while locking in juiciness.
Versatile Cooking Method: Whether you have a gas grill, charcoal, or even an air fryer, this recipe adapts easily.
Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 45 minutes total — no fuss, all flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, let’s talk a bit about the ingredients. Using good quality drumsticks and a BBQ sauce you love really makes a difference here. Also, the spice blend is simple but creates a wonderful smoky, slightly spicy background that enhances the chicken perfectly.

Flat lay of two whole raw chicken drumsticks with natural skin texture, a few sprigs of fresh green rosemary, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red BBQ sauce, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden olive oil, six small white ceramic bowls each with a different finely ground spice powders including deep red chili powder, bright white salt crystals, black peppercorns crushed into powder, pale beige garlic powder, rich red smoked paprika, and light tan onion powder, all symmetrically arranged, 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 — choose drumsticks with skin on for that crispy texture.
BBQ Sauce: Pick a sauce that matches your taste and dietary needs; it adds tang and caramelized glaze.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes crisping of the skin during grilling.
Chili Powder: Adds warmth and earthiness to the overall spice mix.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps firm up the chicken skin.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a little bite.
Garlic Powder: Gives a subtle but rich background flavor.
Smoked Paprika: Provides beautiful color and a smoky depth.
Onion Powder: Adds a sweet-savory layer to the rub.
Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who like a touch of heat, this really brightens the flavors.

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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

The great thing about this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste buds and lifestyle. Whether you like things spicy, smoky, or a little milder, there’s a way to tweak it that’ll make dinner feel just right.

Spice it Up: If you love a kick, I usually add the optional cayenne pepper to the BBQ spice blend, which really wakes up the flavors. Sometimes I bump it even further with a dash of hot smoked paprika for an extra smoky heat that’s perfect for summer grilling parties.
Smoky Sweet Twist: For a sweeter edge, brush on a bit of honey or maple syrup mixed into your BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes on the grill. It caramelizes beautifully and adds a lovely balance to the spices.
Diet-Friendly Swap: I’ve tried this with a sugar-free BBQ sauce for a low-sugar diet and it still came out wonderfully juicy and flavorful. Just remember to use a good quality sauce that suits your needs, and the spice blend will do the rest!
Indoor Friendly: No grill, no problem. I often prepare these in the oven or air fryer using the same seasoning. It’s an easy weeknight hit with crispy skin and tender meat every time.

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

A white plate holds three grilled chicken drumsticks with a dark brown, slightly charred shiny glaze placed on the bottom right. To the left of the chicken is a scoop of creamy pale yellow potato salad with small bits of orange and green, sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper. Above the potato salad are two long, light green pickle spears positioned horizontally. A fork rests on the left edge of the plate on a white marbled surface in bright natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Mix the Magic - Prepare the BBQ Spice Blend

Start by whisking together your chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and if you’re feeling bold, the cayenne pepper. Mixing these together upfront means every drumstick gets that perfect, well-rounded flavor. Tip: Use a small bowl so the spices don’t get lost, and stir until the color looks even.

Step 2: Coat With Care - Season the Chicken

Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels—this is the secret to crispy skin. Then drizzle the olive oil evenly over them. Toss or rub your BBQ spice blend all over each drumstick, making sure every inch is coated well. I like to use my hands for this part because it’s easier to work the spices into the skin, but gloves are great if you want to keep it clean!

Step 3: Fire It Up - Preheat the Grill

Get your grill ready by heating it to a medium-high heat of around 400°F. For gas grills, just dial it to medium-high and let it heat fully. If you’re using charcoal, arrange your coals so you have a hot side for direct cooking and a cooler side for finishing. This setup ensures you get a fantastic crust without burning the chicken.

Step 4: Sear for Crunch - Grill Drumsticks Over Direct Heat

Place the drumsticks directly over the medium-high heat. Turn them frequently every few minutes—this helps develop an even, crispy skin without burning. You want to see beautiful browning on all sides; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The smell at this stage is incredible—the hallmark of great BBQ!

Step 5: Slow and Steady - Move to Indirect Heat to Finish

Once they’re browned and crispy, shift the drumsticks to the medium-low heat area or lower your gas grill to about 300°F. Close the lid and let them cook through for about 25 minutes. Remember to turn the drumsticks halfway through cooking so they cook evenly. This slower cooking phase locks in juiciness and tenderizes the meat perfectly.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch - Brush with BBQ Sauce

During the last 5 minutes on the grill, generously brush the BBQ sauce onto each drumstick. The heat will caramelize the sugars in the sauce, creating sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to every bite. Be mindful not to brush too early or too thick to avoid flare-ups or burning.

Step 7: Done Right - Check Temperature and Serve

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (~74°C). This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Once done, remove from the grill and serve immediately. Get ready to enjoy drumsticks with smoky crispy skin and juicy, tender meat inside—pure comfort and satisfaction!

Top Tip

Getting perfectly crispy, juicy BBQ chicken drumsticks can feel like a little art—but with these tips from my own time grilling, you’ll nail it every time!

Dry the Skin Thoroughly: Patting the chicken drumsticks dry before applying oil and spices really helps the skin crisp up beautifully on the grill.
Use Two-Heat Zones: I learned the hard way that direct high heat can burn the outside before the inside cooks. Starting on direct heat and then moving to indirect medium-low heat makes a world of difference.
Don’t Skip the Meat Thermometer: It’s tempting to guess, but an internal temperature of 165°F (~74°C) is the safest way to ensure juicy, fully cooked chicken without overcooking.
Brush Sauce at the End: Apply your BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of grilling so it caramelizes without burning—this adds that perfect glaze and flavor boost!

How to Serve Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

The image shows two white bowls on a white marbled surface, each filled with raw chicken drumsticks. The bowl on the left has drumsticks sprinkled unevenly with dry spices that are reddish brown and blackish in color, creating a light dusting over pale pink chicken skin. The bowl on the right shows the same drumsticks, now coated with the spices and some oil, giving them a shiny and wet appearance with the reddish seasoning spread all over the pale skin. Both bowls are close together with the right bowl slightly overlapping the left one. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro gives a lovely pop of color and freshness. For a little zing, serve with lemon or lime wedges so everyone can add a squeeze of citrus to brighten those smoky flavors. If you like a touch of heat, a few sliced fresh chilies or a dusting of extra chili powder works wonders.

Side Dishes

These drumsticks pair perfectly with classic summer sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a crisp cucumber salad. For heartier options, try baked beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a cheesy macaroni and cheese. And don’t forget crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls to mop up all that tangy BBQ sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, allow your grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks to cool slightly, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days, retaining great flavor and juiciness.

Freezing

If you'd like to freeze your crispy grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks, let them cool completely first. Wrap each drumstick individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cooked drumsticks are best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the drumsticks on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For crispier skin, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. You can also reheat gently on the grill over indirect heat to revive that smoky char.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the drumsticks in the refrigerator before seasoning and grilling to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

How do I know when the chicken drumsticks are done?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should read 165°F (~74°C) for safe and juicy chicken.

Can I make this recipe on an indoor grill or grill pan?

Yes, an indoor grill or grill pan can work well! Preheat it to medium-high heat, cook the drumsticks to brown the skin, then finish cooking over medium-low heat if possible.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

No worries! You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika. It will be a bit milder but will still add lovely color and flavor to the spice blend.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe that’s perfectly balanced with smoky spices, a tangy sauce, and juicy meat. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or hosting a weekend cookout, this recipe is a reliable winner that comes together quickly and impresses every time. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to fire up your grill and create your own delicious BBQ memories!