Description
These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are a delicious and easy recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout. Crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, the drumsticks are coated in a flavorful homemade BBQ spice blend and finished with a brush of tangy BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lb. chicken drumsticks (legs)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose a BBQ sauce 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 black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ spice blend: In a small dish, combine the chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir well to mix all spices evenly.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle the olive oil over the drumsticks and then sprinkle the BBQ spice blend evenly on all sides. Toss or rub to thoroughly coat each piece.
- Preheat the grill: For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat around 400°F. For a charcoal grill, arrange coals to create a medium-high heat zone and a medium-low heat zone.
- Grill the drumsticks over direct heat: Place the drumsticks on clean, oiled grill grates directly over the medium-high heat. Turn frequently every few minutes until the skin is browned and crispy on all sides.
- Move to indirect heat to finish cooking: Lower the heat to medium-low (about 300°F), or move the drumsticks to the medium-low heat zone on a charcoal grill. Close the grill and cook for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Brush with BBQ sauce: During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush each drumstick generously with the BBQ sauce allowing it to caramelize slightly on the grill.
- Check for doneness and serve: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 165°F (~74°C). Remove from grill and serve immediately, enjoying the crispy, juicy BBQ chicken drumsticks.
Notes
- To prepare in advance, mix the chicken with oil and spices and refrigerate covered for up to 18 hours before grilling.
- For air fryer adaptation, preheat to 400°F and cook drumsticks in batches for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For oven adaptation, bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking. Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee safe cooking and juicy results.
- If you don’t have smoked paprika, substitute with regular paprika for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 drumsticks)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
