Name: Crispy 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 juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy, smoky crust, this Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is exactly what you need. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend cookout, these grilled drumsticks are always a crowd-pleaser and seriously easy to make.

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 BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Hands down, this is one of my favorite ways to enjoy chicken drumsticks—they come out crispy, packed with bold BBQ flavors, and perfectly juicy every time. Plus, the homemade spice blend really sets this recipe apart.

Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find pantry spices and your favorite BBQ sauce.
Perfect Crispy Skin: The key steps ensure a deliciously crisp exterior that's finger lickin’ good.
Versatile Cooking: Whether you have a gas grill, charcoal, air fryer, or oven, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for quick dinners or impressing friends at summer barbecues.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When it comes to this recipe, I recommend fresh chicken drumsticks and a BBQ sauce you love or that fits your dietary needs. The homemade spice mix is a blend of smoky, savory, and just a touch of heat that really brings out the best flavor.

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: These are juicy and perfect for grilling; patting dry helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite—sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—to finish off the chicken with rich flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and promotes that crispy skin when grilled.
Chili powder: Adds subtle heat and depth to the spice blend.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and seasoning the meat.
Pepper: Adds a mild bite and rounds out the seasoning.
Garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory note that pairs perfectly with BBQ flavors.
Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that mimics grill smoke.
Onion powder: Adds a hint of savory sweetness and complements the garlic.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who like a little extra kick—feel free to leave this out if you prefer milder flavors.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste or dietary needs. Whether you're craving a smoky heat or a milder, sweeter glaze, you can make it your own with just a few tweaks!

Spicy Kick Variation: I love adding the optional cayenne pepper to the spice blend when I want a nice fiery punch. It gives the drumsticks an exciting warmth that’s perfect for spice lovers, but you can always leave it out if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Smoky Flavor Twist: Using smoked paprika in the spice blend adds a subtle smokiness that reminds me of a traditional barbecue pit. Switching to chipotle powder can amp up that smoky depth if you’re feeling adventurous.
Sweet & Tangy Sauce: For a sweeter sauce, mix a bit of honey or brown sugar into your BBQ sauce before brushing it on. I sometimes add apple cider vinegar for a tangier finish that balances the spices beautifully.
Diet-Friendly Swap: If you’re avoiding gluten or sugars, just choose a BBQ sauce that fits your dietary restrictions — there are plenty of great options out there that don’t skimp on flavor.
Seasonal Herb Addition: Tossing fresh herbs like chopped thyme or rosemary into the spice blend or as a garnish after grilling adds a fresh, seasonal twist that really elevates the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy 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: Whip Up the BBQ Spice Blend

Start by combining the chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and the optional cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Stir them together well to create your homemade BBQ spice blend — this mix is the key to that amazing flavor punch. I always double-check that none of the spices have clumps for an even coating.

Step 2: Prep and Season Your Drumsticks

Next, pat your chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels — this helps the skin crisp up nicely when grilled. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the drumsticks, then sprinkle the BBQ spice blend. Use your hands to toss and rub each piece, making sure every inch is coated in that flavorful mix. This step ensures maximum flavor penetration and a delicious crust.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F. For charcoal grills, set up two heat zones — one medium-high and one medium-low — by arranging the coals accordingly. Remember to oil your grill grates well to prevent sticking and help build that perfect crispy skin.

Step 4: Grill Until Crispy and Juicy

Place the drumsticks directly over medium-high heat and turn them frequently. Keep an eye on the color — you want a nice, browned, and crispy skin all around. Once that’s achieved, move the drumsticks to medium-low heat. Close the grill lid and cook for about 25 minutes, turning the drumsticks once halfway through to ensure even cooking. This two-zone method locks in juices while finishing the cooking gently.

Step 5: Slather With BBQ Sauce

Brush your favorite BBQ sauce on each drumstick near the end of cooking—this keeps the sauce from burning but lets it caramelize and infuse the meat with its tangy, sweet goodness. I love going for a glossy finish that’s sticky but not soggy.

Step 6: Check Temperature and Serve

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This guarantees perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken that’s juicy inside with that coveted crispy skin outside. Serve the drumsticks piping hot for maximum finger-lickin’ satisfaction!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of crispy, flavorful chicken drumsticks is all about the details. These tips will help you get the best results every time with this Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe.

Pat Dry for Crispiness: Drying your chicken drumsticks thoroughly before seasoning prevents steaming and helps the skin crisp up beautifully on the grill.
Two-Zone Grilling: Whether you use charcoal or gas, cooking first on higher heat to brown and then moving to lower heat to finish cooking ensures juicy meat without burning the skin.
Timing the Sauce: Apply BBQ sauce towards the end of grilling so it caramelizes without burning, providing that perfect sticky glaze.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid guesswork by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to keep the chicken safe and juicy—this saved my dinners countless times!

How to Serve Crispy 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

Fresh garnishes can brighten these rich, smoky drumsticks. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and herbaceous lift. Thinly sliced green onions add crunch and a mild onion bite. For a little extra tang and color, serve with lemon wedges on the side—squeezing a bit of fresh lemon juice just before eating livens up every bite.

Side Dishes

These Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks pair wonderfully with classic BBQ sides. Think creamy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, and grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. For a heartier meal, a fresh potato salad or baked beans complement the smoky flavors perfectly. Don’t forget a basket of crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to mop up any extra sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After indulging, let any leftover drumsticks cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to save your Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks longer, freezing is totally doable. Wrap each drumstick tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the skin crispy when reheating, warm leftover drumsticks in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat on a grill set to medium heat, turning occasionally. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that signature crispness!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can easily adapt this recipe for the oven or air fryer. For the oven, bake at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. In an air fryer, cook at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, turning once. Just be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Do I need to marinate the chicken overnight?

While marinating isn’t required, letting the drumsticks sit with olive oil and the BBQ spice blend for up to 18 hours in the fridge really enhances the depth of flavor and helps the spices penetrate the meat.

How do I get the skin extra crispy without burning it?

Cooking over medium-high heat initially to brown the skin and then moving the drumsticks to medium-low indirect heat allows the skin to crisp up nicely without burning. Applying BBQ sauce near the end prevents the sugars from burning too early.

Can I adjust the spice blend to make it milder?

Yes! Simply omit the cayenne pepper to keep the spice blend flavorful but mild. You can also adjust salt and chili powder amounts to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about biting into these Crispy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks—crisp skin, smoky, spicy seasoning, and juicy meat inside. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively weekend cookout, this recipe hits all the right notes without any fuss. I hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen, bringing smiles and finger-licking good times to your table!