Description
These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are a simple and delicious recipe perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout. The chicken is coated with a homemade BBQ spice blend, grilled to crispy perfection, then brushed with flavorful BBQ sauce for a finger-licking finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 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 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 Spice Blend: Combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and optional cayenne pepper in a small dish. Stir well to mix thoroughly.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry thoroughly with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and then coat each piece evenly with the prepared BBQ spice blend. Toss to ensure all pieces are well coated.
- Preheat the Grill: For gas grill users, preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For charcoal grill users, create two heat zones: one medium-high direct heat area and one medium-low indirect heat area by moving coals to one side.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken directly on the grill grates over medium-high heat. Turn every few minutes until the skin is browned and crispy all over.
- Finish Cooking on Lower Heat: Move the chicken to medium-low heat. Close the grill lid and cook for approximately 25 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Apply BBQ Sauce: Brush each drumstick generously with BBQ sauce after cooking. Continue grilling a few more minutes if desired to caramelize the sauce slightly.
- Check Doneness and Serve: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Serve the drumsticks hot immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To prep in advance, marinate the drumsticks with oil and spice blend in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 18 hours before grilling.
- For an air fryer adaptation: preheat to 400°F, lightly oil the basket, arrange drumsticks spaced apart, cook 18-22 minutes turning once halfway, and verify 165°F internal temperature.
- For oven adaptation: bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes on a lined baking sheet, turning halfway through, and check for 165°F internal temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee safe cooking and best results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 drumsticks)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
