Description
These easy grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal. Featuring a homemade BBQ spice blend and topped with your favorite BBQ sauce, this recipe yields tender, juicy drumsticks that are a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 lb chicken drumsticks (legs)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 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 BBQ Spice Blend: In a small dish, combine chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir until well mixed.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks, then sprinkle the BBQ spice blend evenly. Toss to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Preheat Grill: For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For a charcoal grill, arrange coals to create two zones: one medium-high heat and one medium-low heat.
- Grill Chicken (Gas Grill): Place drumsticks on clean, oiled grates directly over medium-high heat. Turn frequently until the skin is browned and crispy on all sides. Then lower the heat to medium-low (about 300°F), close the grill, and cook for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Grill Chicken (Charcoal Grill): Start chicken directly over medium-high heat, turning every few minutes until skin is browned and crispy. Move the chicken to the indirect medium-low heat zone, cover, and cook for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Apply BBQ Sauce: Brush each drumstick with BBQ sauce after cooking.
- Check Doneness and Serve: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can prepare the chicken in advance by mixing it with oil and spices, covering tightly, and refrigerating for up to 18 hours before grilling.
- Air fryer adaptation: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Lightly oil the basket, place drumsticks with space between them, and cook for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through. Check internal temp to confirm 165°F.
- Oven adaptation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place drumsticks on parchment or foil-lined baking sheet, bake 40-45 minutes, turning halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If you prefer less heat, omit cayenne pepper from the spice blend.
- Using a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure safe cooking and juicy results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 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: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
