If you’re craving a meal that brings smoky, crispy, finger lickin’ goodness, this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and perfect for any day of the week.
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 love this recipe because it’s a simple way to impress with minimal fuss. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, these drumsticks turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside every single time.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these pantry staples, making it super convenient.
- Time-Saver: Ready from prep to plate in just 45 minutes — an easy win for busy days.
- Flavor Packed: The smoky BBQ spice blend blends beautifully with tangy BBQ sauce for big flavor.
- Perfectly Crispy: Cooking hot then low ensures that satisfying crispy skin and juicy meat.
Ingredients & Why They Work
When it comes to grilling, choosing the right ingredients gives you that flavorful, crispy drumstick every time. Grab good quality chicken legs and a BBQ sauce you love — it’s the finishing touch that makes this recipe shine.
- Chicken drumsticks: I prefer drumsticks for their perfect balance of juicy meat and crispy skin when grilled.
- BBQ sauce: Pick one that matches your taste or dietary needs — sweet, spicy, tangy, or smoky all work great.
- Olive oil: Helps the spice blend stick and promotes crispy, golden skin.
- Chili powder: Adds a mild smoky heat that’s essential for that classic BBQ vibe.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and helps crisp the skin.
- Pepper: Delivers a peppery kick that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Garlic powder: Brings depth and savory warmth to the seasoning.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness even if you’re not using a charcoal grill.
- Onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and aroma to round out the spice blend.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Use if you want to sneak in a little heat for that extra zing.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste and lifestyle. Whether you like it spicy, smoky, or a little sweeter, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
- Spicy Kick: I love adding extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a fiery twist that wakes up the palate.
- Sweet & Smoky: Toss in a bit of brown sugar to the spice blend or use a sweeter BBQ sauce to balance smoky flavors with a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprinkled on before grilling add an aromatic layer that’s unexpected and delicious.
- Healthy Swap: For a lower-sodium or sugar-free option, choose BBQ sauces tailored to dietary needs, and you can even grill skinless drumsticks to reduce fat while keeping flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Marinate the drumsticks overnight in the spice blend and olive oil to deepen the flavors and cut down on prep time the next day.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Step 1: Mix Up the Perfect BBQ Spice Blend
Start by combining the smoky, savory spices: chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you’re feeling bold. Stir them thoroughly in a small bowl to create a beautifully balanced seasoning that’s the foundation for that crave-worthy crust. This blend keeps your drumsticks flavorful without overpowering the natural chicken taste.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken Drumsticks
Pat your drumsticks dry with paper towels—this crucial step helps achieve that crispy skin we all love. Then, drizzle with olive oil and coat evenly with the BBQ spice blend. Toss them gently but thoroughly so every nook and cranny is seasoned. Trust me, taking this extra moment here pays off at the end with intense flavor and crunch.
Step 3: Fire Up Your Grill to Medium-High Heat
If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it to around 400°F to ensure those drumsticks get a strong sear right away. For charcoal lovers, set up two heat zones—one medium-high and one medium-low—to give yourself control over cooking speed and avoid flare-ups. Make sure your grates are clean and oiled—this keeps the chicken from sticking and helps develop that gorgeous crust.
Step 4: Sear the Drumsticks Over Direct Heat
Place the drumsticks directly on the hot grill. Turn them every few minutes so the skin crisps evenly without burning. You’ll see the skin start to brown beautifully and smell that irresistible smoky aroma filling your space. This step typically takes about 5-10 minutes depending on your grill, and it sets the stage for tender, juicy meat inside.
Step 5: Lower the Heat and Finish Cooking Indirectly
Once your drumsticks have that lovely sear, move them to medium-low heat—around 300°F for gas grills or the cooler side on charcoal grills. Cover and cook for about 25 minutes, turning halfway through to cook evenly. This slower cooking step locks in juices and ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out.
Step 6: Brush on BBQ Sauce for a Lip-Smacking Finish
During the last few minutes on the grill, generously brush your drumsticks with BBQ sauce. The heat caramelizes the sauce, creating sticky, flavorful layers that make every bite unforgettable. Don’t be shy here—more sauce means more flavor and that glorious finger-lickin' finish.
Step 7: Check Doneness and Serve Immediately
Use a reliable meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C)—this is the USDA recommendation for safe poultry. Once checked, serve your drumsticks immediately for the juiciest and crispiest experience. Grab your favorite sides and get ready to impress family and friends with this classic crowd-pleaser.
Top Tip
Getting perfectly crispy and flavorful grilled chicken drumsticks can feel like an art, but these tips will make it easy and foolproof every time.
- Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: I learned that patting the drumsticks dry before seasoning is key to getting that irresistibly crispy skin. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Oil the Grill Grates Well: From experience, well-oiled grates prevent sticking, saving your chicken drumsticks from tearing their beautiful skin when you flip them.
- Use Two-Zone Grilling: Setting up direct and indirect heat zones allows you to crisp the skin over high heat, then slowly cook through without burning. This technique changed my grilling game.
- Don’t Skip the Meat Thermometer: Avoid undercooking or drying out the chicken by checking it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s my most trusted grill buddy!
How to Serve Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your grilled chicken drumsticks with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon or lime juice adds a zesty kick that complements the smoky BBQ flavors beautifully. You can also sprinkle some finely sliced green onions for a mild onion aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with classic summertime sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a bright garden salad. Baked beans, roasted potatoes, or even a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad work wonders too. For an easy crowd-pleaser, serve with buttery garlic bread or cornmeal muffins.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover grilled drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious and safe to eat for up to 3-4 days. This makes a great next-day lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze cooked chicken drumsticks, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the skin regains some crispness. You can also reheat on a grill over indirect medium heat to revive that fresh-off-the-grill flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the skin crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the drumsticks in the refrigerator before seasoning and grilling to ensure even cooking and safety.
Yes! You can adapt this recipe by baking at 400°F for 40-45 minutes or using an air fryer at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway. Both methods still deliver tasty results with a crispy skin.
The recipe has a nice smoky flavor with a gentle warmth thanks to the chili powder and optional cayenne pepper. You can adjust the cayenne to make it milder or spicier to suit your taste.
Definitely! Mixing the chicken with olive oil and BBQ spice blend, then refrigerating covered for up to 18 hours helps deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat before grilling.
Final Thoughts
Making this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe always feels like a little celebration at my table. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get juicy, smoky, and crispy drumsticks that bring everyone back for seconds. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy every delicious bite together. Happy grilling!
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Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These easy grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout. The chicken is seasoned with a smoky BBQ spice blend and finished with a tangy BBQ sauce, delivering a finger lickin' good meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 lb chicken drumsticks (legs)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (choose one that aligns with your dietary restrictions)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
BBQ Spice Blend
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare BBQ Spice Blend: In a small dish, combine chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir thoroughly to mix the spices evenly.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the BBQ spice blend over the drumsticks. Toss well to coat each piece evenly with the seasoning.
- Preheat Grill: For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For charcoal grill, set up two heat zones with medium-high heat on one side and medium-low on the other.
- Cook Chicken on Direct Heat: Place the drumsticks directly on the clean, oiled grill grates (gas) or over the heat source (charcoal). Turn every few minutes to brown and crisp the skin on all sides.
- Finish Cooking on Indirect Heat: Lower the gas grill heat to medium-low (about 300°F) and close the lid. With charcoal, move drumsticks to the cooler side of the grill. Cook the chicken for about 25 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Apply BBQ Sauce: Brush each drumstick generously with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Check Temperature and Serve: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately for best flavor and juiciness.
Notes
- To prepare in advance: Mix chicken, oil, and spices, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 18 hours before grilling.
- Air Fryer Adaptation: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray basket with oil. Cook 18-22 minutes turning once halfway through. Check internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
- Oven Adaptation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place chicken on parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 40-45 minutes, turning halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Ensure the grill grates are well oiled to prevent sticking.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee safe cooking temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 drumsticks per 4 servings total)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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