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 a BBQ sauce 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 that perfect summertime flavor any day of the week, this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Crispy skin, smoky spice, and just the right touch of BBQ sauce make these drumsticks irresistibly delicious.

Nine pieces of grilled chicken drumsticks covered in shiny, dark reddish-brown sauce with some blackened spots from grilling. The drumsticks are arranged on white parchment paper placed on a wooden board. On the right side, there is a small glass jar filled with the same sauce and a metal spoon inside. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. 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

Honestly, every time I fire up the grill for these drumsticks, I can’t help but get excited. There’s just something special about that crispy, smoky crust paired with sticky BBQ sauce that hits all the right notes!

Simple ingredients: No fuss with complicated marinades or sauces here, just a homemade BBQ spice blend and your favorite BBQ sauce.
Quick prep time: Ready to grill in just 15 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
Crispy perfection: The two-step grilling process ensures skin that’s beautifully crispy without drying out the meat.
Versatile cooking methods: Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal grill, air fryer, or oven, I’ve got you covered.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right chicken and spices is key to nailing this recipe every time. I always look for fresh drumsticks with good skin quality — that’s where the crispiness magic happens. And for the BBQ sauce, pick one that suits your taste or dietary needs, since it plays a big role in the final flavor.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken drumsticks with smooth skin and natural coloring, a few sprigs of dried chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper arranged neatly as small white ceramic bowls each containing one spice, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich, glossy BBQ sauce, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden olive oil, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically around the ingredients, all 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—skin-on for that crispy texture and juicy meat inside.
BBQ sauce: I recommend selecting a sauce that matches your preferred flavor profile—whether sweet, tangy, or spicy—plus dietary preferences.
Olive oil: Helps the spice blend stick and promotes even browning on the grill.
Chili powder: Adds a mild warmth and depth to the spice blend without overpowering.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Pepper: Brings a subtle kick and balances the spice mix.
Garlic powder: For a savory, aromatic boost that's a classic in BBQ rubs.
Smoked paprika: The secret behind that unmistakable smoky flavor that makes BBQ truly BBQ.
Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a gentle sweetness and depth.
Cayenne pepper (optional): Perfect if you want to dial up the heat a bit — adjust according to your spice tolerance.

📝

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 best part about this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe? You can easily tweak it to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you like it mild or spicy, smoky or sweet, there’s so much room to play around and make it truly yours.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a little extra cayenne pepper to the BBQ spice blend for a noticeable but not overwhelming heat. It wakes up the flavors beautifully without stealing the show.
Sweet & Smoky: Swap in a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce—my go-to is a hickory-smoked variety with just a touch of molasses—to give the drumsticks a caramelized glaze that's irresistible.
Herb Infusion: Toss fresh chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary into the marinade for an herbal note that brightens the dish and adds complexity.
Diet-Friendly: For gluten-free or keto diets, just double-check your BBQ sauce and choose one that fits your needs. The spice blend is naturally gluten-free and low-carb!
Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate the chicken overnight in the spice blend and olive oil—the extra time really lets those flavors sink in deep. It’s perfect for prepping the day before your cookout.

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

On a white plate resting on a white marbled surface, there are three grilled drumsticks placed in the lower right area, showing a shiny reddish-brown color with some charred spots. Above the drumsticks, two green pickle spears lie side by side, adding a fresh look. On the left side of the plate, a creamy scoop of light yellow potato salad is topped with small green herb pieces and a sprinkle of black pepper. A silver fork is placed along the left edge of the plate, with its prongs pointing towards the potato salad. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Master Your Spice Blend

Start by whisking together your BBQ spice blend. I mix ¾ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, plus ¼ teaspoon onion powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper if I’m feeling adventurous. This combo brings together smoky, spicy, and savory notes that really build the foundation for great flavor.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Beautifully

Pat your 2 pounds of chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. This step is essential for getting that coveted crispy skin. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the drumsticks, then sprinkle your spice blend all over, tossing well to ensure every bit is coated evenly. That oil-spice combo is what crisps up the skin and keeps the chicken juicy underneath.

Step 3: Heat Up the Grill

If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high, aiming for about 400°F. For charcoal fans, set up two heat zones by banking most of the coals to one side — you want a direct medium-high heat area and a cooler medium-low indirect area. This two-zone setup lets you sear first, then slow-cook the drumsticks to perfection.

Step 4: Grill for Crispy Perfection

Place the drumsticks directly over medium-high heat. Let them sizzle, turning every few minutes so each side browns evenly. You’re looking for beautifully browned, crispy skin all over — this usually takes just a few minutes per side, so keep an eye on them here.

Step 5: Finish With Gentle Cooking

Once browned, move the drumsticks to the medium-low heat zone (or lower your gas grill to medium-low) and close the lid. Let them cook gently for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through. This slower cook ensures the chicken stays juicy while reaching the safe internal temperature.

Step 6: Sauce It Up and Caramelize

Bring on the flavor finale! Brush each drumstick generously with your BBQ sauce of choice. If you like, pop them back on the grill for a few more minutes so that sauce caramelizes slightly, getting sticky and finger-licking good.

Step 7: Check Temperature and Serve

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results. Serve the drumsticks hot right off the grill so you can enjoy that crispy skin and smoky, saucy goodness at its best.

Top Tip

Mastering this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is easier than you think, especially when you keep a few handy tips in mind. These tricks ensure your chicken comes out perfectly crispy, smoky, and bursting with flavor every time.

Pat Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: Removing moisture from the skin before seasoning helps the spice blend stick better and promotes that irresistible crispy skin.
Two-Zone Grilling Is Key: Learning to manage your heat zones—direct high heat for crisping and indirect medium-low heat for cooking through—makes all the difference.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This prevents overcooking and ensures juicy, tender drumsticks, hitting the safe internal temp of 165°F without guessing.
Don’t Skip the Final Brush of Sauce: Applying BBQ sauce after most cooking time lets it lightly caramelize without burning, giving you that perfect finger-licking finish.

How to Serve Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Two side-by-side images show a white bowl filled with chicken drumsticks. The left bowl holds raw drumsticks sprinkled with layers of spices—the top layer includes red and black powders, evenly covering the pale pink skin. The right bowl shows the same drumsticks after being mixed with the spices, their skin now fully coated in a reddish-brown seasoning, giving them a textured, slightly sticky look with visible spice granules. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface, and a brown container is in the upper right corner of both images. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a bright pop of color and freshness. For a little tang, serve with lemon or lime wedges on the side—just a quick squeeze adds a lovely zing that complements smoky BBQ flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic BBQ sides like creamy coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and baked beans. For something lighter, try a crisp garden salad or grilled vegetables. Don’t forget some buttery garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up all those delicious juices!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your tasty drumsticks, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making for easy grab-and-go meals during the week.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the cooked drumsticks tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen drumsticks keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best texture when reheating, warm drumsticks in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps keep the skin crispy. You can also reheat on a grill over medium heat to revive that smoky flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare this Crispy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the drumsticks with olive oil and the spice blend, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 18 hours before grilling. This helps deepen the flavors and saves time on grilling day.

What if I don’t have a grill — can I make this recipe another way?

Yes! You can adapt this recipe for an air fryer or oven. See the notes for detailed instructions on cooking times and temperatures to still achieve crispy, flavorful drumsticks.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken drumsticks are safely cooked and juicy when they reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I adjust the spice levels in the BBQ spice blend?

Definitely! The recipe includes cayenne pepper as optional—feel free to add more for extra heat or skip it altogether for a milder taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about gathering around the grill and savoring perfectly cooked, crispy grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks. This recipe is proof that you don’t need a complicated process to create big, bold flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a weekend cookout with friends, these drumsticks bring that cozy, homey feeling to your table. So fire up the grill, gather your favorite sides, and enjoy every delicious bite!