If you’re a fan of finger-lickin good barbecue, then these grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are about to become your new summertime staple. Juicy, tender, and bursting with a delectable blend of spices and smoky-sweet sauce, these drumsticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your guests raving.
Grilling is the key to taking these drumsticks to the next level, locking in moisture while giving the skin a perfectly charred, caramelized finish. With just a few simple steps, you can transform humble chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s sure to be the star of your next backyard cookout or weeknight family dinner.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There’s a reason these grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks have become a summertime staple for so many households. The combination of juicy, tender meat and a delectable barbecue sauce creates an unbeatable flavor profile that’s hard to resist. But that’s not all – this recipe also boasts incredible convenience and versatility.
These drumsticks come together in a flash, with minimal prep work required. And because they’re so easy to make ahead and reheat, they’re the perfect choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, with a few simple tweaks, you can adapt the recipe to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences, from low-carb to dairy-free.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare BBQ Chicken Drumsticks ❓
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of sweet and savory spices creates the classic barbecue-inspired flavor profile that has made grilled chicken drumsticks perennially popular.
📝 How to Make BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks, barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the drumsticks evenly.
• Step 3: Arrange the coated drumsticks on the preheated grill, making sure to leave some space between each piece. Cover and grill for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy and caramelized.
• Step 4: Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes
Compared to traditional baked or fried chicken drumsticks, which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 710mg
These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 30% of your daily sodium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the barbecue sauce for a sugar-free, keto-friendly alternative and serve the drumsticks over a bed of roasted vegetables for a low-carb meal.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Ensure the barbecue sauce is dairy-free, and skip any creamy dipping sauces or accompaniments.
• Added protein: Serve the drumsticks alongside a protein-rich side, such as a grilled vegetable salad or quinoa pilaf, to boost the overall nutritional value.
• Boost vegetables: Grill additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, alongside the chicken drumsticks for a more well-rounded meal.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a hearty baked potato or a fluffy serving of cornbread for a classic barbecue-inspired meal.
• Complement the drumsticks with a fresh summer salad, such as a grilled peach and arugula salad, for a well-rounded and nourishing dinner.
• For a family-friendly gathering, serve the drumsticks alongside macaroni and cheese, baked beans, and watermelon slices for a complete backyard BBQ spread.
• Create a vibrant appetizer platter with the grilled drumsticks, crispy veggie sticks, and a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Undercooking the chicken: Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe to consume.
• Neglecting the basting: Regularly basting the drumsticks with the barbecue sauce mixture helps to build up the caramelized, flavorful crust on the skin.
• Letting the grill get too hot: If the grill temperature is too high, the outside of the drumsticks may char before the inside is fully cooked. Maintain a steady, medium-high heat for best results.
• Skipping the resting period: Allowing the grilled drumsticks to rest for 5 minutes before serving ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final dish.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the drumsticks according to the recipe, but don’t grill them. Place the coated drumsticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a resealable bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the grilled drumsticks to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped drumsticks in a resealable bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, unwrap the drumsticks and place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the grilled drumsticks in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. This helps restore the crispy skin and juicy texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the drumsticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the drumsticks in the barbecue sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the coated drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. This allows the flavors to meld and saves you time on the day of cooking.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
While chicken drumsticks are the classic choice for this recipe, you can also use other bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces, such as thighs or a mix of drumsticks and thighs. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the overall flavor profile will remain the same.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make this recipe dairy-free, simply ensure that the barbecue sauce you use does not contain any dairy products. Many mainstream barbecue sauce brands are naturally dairy-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the label. You can also make your own homemade dairy-free barbecue sauce using ingredients like tomato paste, vinegar, spices, and sweeteners.
What should I do if the drumsticks are not browning enough?
If you find that the drumsticks aren’t developing a nice, caramelized crust on the grill, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure your grill is hot enough, around 375-400°F. Additionally, baste the drumsticks frequently with the barbecue sauce mixture to help promote browning. If the skin still isn’t crisping up, try finishing the drumsticks under the broiler for a few minutes to get that desired char.
Can I add any additional flavors or seasonings?
Absolutely! These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are a great canvas for all sorts of flavor variations. Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a subtle kick. You can also experiment with different barbecue sauce flavors, such as honey mustard or spicy chipotle. For a more complex profile, marinate the drumsticks in a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic before grilling.
Conclusion
These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as the centerpiece of a backyard barbecue or as a weeknight family dinner, they’re sure to impress with their juicy, tender meat and delectable, caramelized skin. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the grilling process.
So fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to savor the ultimate summertime feast.
Print
Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Grilled to Perfection
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients
• 8-10 chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
• Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks, barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the drumsticks evenly.
• Step 3: Arrange the coated drumsticks on the preheated grill, making sure to leave some space between each piece. Cover and grill for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is crispy and caramelized.
• Step 4: Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Grilled to Perfection
