Name: Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb chicken drumsticks (legs); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose one that aligns with your dietary restrictions); 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 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)

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.

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 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.

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: 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.

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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 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

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 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

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

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:

Can I use frozen chicken drumsticks for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the drumsticks in the refrigerator before seasoning and grilling to ensure even cooking and safety.

What if I don’t have a grill—can I use an oven or air fryer?

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.

How spicy is this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe?

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.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

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!