Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Sticky Smoky Summer Cookout Chicken
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are a summer staple that never fails to please. With their crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat, these drumsticks evoke the essence of sunny cookouts and backyard gatherings. You can almost hear the sizzle of the grill and smell the smoky aroma wafting through the air as they cook. Whether it’s a Sunday barbecue with family or a get-together with friends, Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are sure to be the star of the show.
Table of Contents
When I first experimented with this recipe, I was captivated by how simple yet incredibly satisfying it is. The combination of dry rub and a sticky homemade BBQ sauce takes these chicken drumsticks to the next level. You won’t need to rely on takeout or pre-packaged items when you can whip up this mouthwatering dish at home. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, these drumsticks will quickly become your go-to recipe for any cookout this summer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in under 2 hours, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: Smoky, sticky, and slightly sweet, they burst with flavor in every bite.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Their golden, caramelized appearance is sure to impress your guests.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a party snack to enjoy any time.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt the dry rub and sauces to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed: This adds a wonderful sweetness to the dry rub, balancing the savory spices. You can substitute with granulated sugar in a pinch.
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor; avoid table salt as it can be too salty.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: A flavor powerhouse that provides depth; fresh garlic can be used but may alter the texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder: It complements the garlic to create a savory base; onion flakes could work as an alternative.
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika: This gives the chicken its smoky essence, reminiscent of wood-smoked BBQ. If unavailable, regular paprika with a hint of cumin can work.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of spice; you can adjust the amount to suit your preference.
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper, optional: For those who enjoy heat, a dash adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.
- 4 pounds chicken legs: Fresh or frozen; if using frozen, ensure they’re completely thawed for even cooking.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: My favorite is a tangy, store-bought brand, but you can make your own for added flavor.
- ¼ cup apricot jam, or apple/grape jelly: This sweet addition enhances the BBQ sauce, giving it a lovely sticky finish. As a less sweet option, try orange marmalade.
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Sticky Smoky Summer Cookout Chicken
Prepare the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix lightly to incorporate all the seasonings.
Marinate the Chicken: On a large plate, lay out 4 pounds of chicken legs. Pat them dry using paper towels, then rub the dry seasoning mixture evenly over the drumsticks. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or overnight if you prefer.
Tip: Take the chicken out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and ¼ cup of apricot jam. Heat over medium-low until simmering, about 10 minutes. Whisk occasionally until it thickens slightly, then set aside.
Preheat the Grill: Lightly oil the grill grates and preheat your grill. Set half the grill to high heat and the other half to medium heat.
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the medium heat side of the grill. Close the lid and grill for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the drumsticks.
Move those that are farther from the high heat closer to it, while shifting the hotter pieces to the medium zone; continue grilling for another 5 minutes. Tip: Pay attention to the chicken as it cooks, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Baste the Chicken: When the chicken is around 80% cooked (about 4-5 minutes from being finished), brush the thickened BBQ sauce mixture generously over the drumsticks. Grill for an additional 2 minutes with the lid closed.
Flip, baste the other side, and grill for 2 more minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F as checked with a thermometer.
Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, green onions, sesame seeds, or red pepper flakes for an added touch.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer-lasting freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place them in a suitable freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Keep in mind that while the flavor remains delightful, reheating may slightly alter the crispiness of the skin.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming.
- Let your BBQ sauce cool slightly before basting to prevent burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness, as this ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to your BBQ sauce mixture for tanginess.
- If you have time, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks bring effortless and delicious flair to any meal. Not only are they mouthwateringly tasty, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare, making them a favorite among both novice cooks and seasoned grillers alike. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades or sauces to make this dish your own. Trust me, once you take that first bite of tender, smoky chicken, you’ll understand why this is a staple at summertime cookouts. Enjoy every moment and every bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven?
Absolutely! If grilling isn’t an option, you can bake these drumsticks in the oven at 425°F for about 30-35 minutes. Baste with your BBQ sauce mixture halfway through for deliciously sticky results.
What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
The choice of BBQ sauce is entirely up to your personal preference! Whether you prefer a tangy vinegar-based sauce, a rich and smoky flavor, or a sweet honey BBQ sauce, go with what you love best.
Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of drumsticks?
Certainly! The recipe works well with bone-in thighs, wings, or even whole chicken pieces. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times based on the size and type of the chicken cuts you choose.
How can I add even more flavor?
Consider brining your chicken in a simple solution of water, salt, and sugar for a few hours before applying the dry rub. This tenderizes the meat and infuses a bit of flavor, making your grilled chicken even more mouthwatering!
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📖 Recipe Card
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Sticky Smoky Summer Cookout Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are packed with mouthwatering flavors from spices and a sweet BBQ sauce, making them ideal for summer cookouts or quick dinners at home.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- chili powder or cayenne pepper, optional and to taste for spiciness
- 4 pounds chicken legs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup apricot jam
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings for the dry rub and mix lightly.
- Place chicken on a large plate, pat dry, and rub the dry rub evenly on all drumsticks. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce and jam. Heat over medium-low until simmering, about 10 minutes, until thickened slightly. Set aside.
- Preheat grill, oil the grates, with one side on high heat and the other on medium. Grill chicken on medium heat for about 5 minutes.
- Flip the drumsticks and shuffle their positions relative to the heat. Cook for another 5 minutes, monitoring to avoid burning.
- When chicken is about 80% cooked, baste with BBQ sauce mixture and close the lid for 2 minutes. Flip, baste the other side, and cook for another 2 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Notes
For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked properly at 165°F.
Feel free to adjust spices based on your heat preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 299
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
