Description
These easy grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout. With a homemade BBQ spice blend and a tasty BBQ sauce finish, they’re finger lickin’ good and loved by all.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 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 the chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper in a small bowl and mix well to create the BBQ spice blend.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over them, then sprinkle the BBQ spice blend evenly. Toss and rub to coat each drumstick thoroughly.
- Preheat the grill: For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For a charcoal grill, arrange charcoal to create two zones: one side medium-high heat and the other medium-low heat.
- Grill the chicken (gas grill): Place drumsticks on well-oiled grates over medium-high heat. Turn frequently until skin is browned and crispy on all sides. Then move the drumsticks to medium-low heat, close the grill, and cook for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Grill the chicken (charcoal grill): Start cooking the drumsticks directly over medium-high heat, turning every few minutes until the skin browns and crisps. Then move the drumsticks to indirect medium-low heat side, cover, and cook for 25 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Apply BBQ sauce: Brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking to add flavor and moisture.
- Check doneness and serve: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- For advance preparation, mix chicken, oil, and spices, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 18 hours before grilling.
- Air fryer adaptation: Preheat air fryer to 400°F, lightly spray basket with oil, and cook drumsticks 18-22 minutes turning halfway. Check for 165°F internal temperature.
- Oven adaptation: Bake chicken on parchment or foil-lined sheet at 400°F for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperature and juicy results.
- If preferred less spicy, omit cayenne pepper from the spice blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
