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
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 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
- 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
