Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are an easy, low-carb dinner that the whole family will love. Simple and delicious and ready in under 30 minutes.

Get ready to be transported into a world of smoky, savory deliciousness with our easy, flavorful recipe for Grilled Chicken Drumsticks. These drumsticks are anything but ordinary!

Imagine the sweet aroma of spices wafting from your grill as the drumsticks sizzle, their skin crisping up to a beautiful golden brown.

The final result? Juicy chicken drumsticks that pack a punch of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ party or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, these drumsticks are sure to win you a big five star rating!

I can’t stress enough how this Grilled Chicken Drumsticks recipe can be a game-changer for your BBQ parties or family dinners. They’re simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to match any side dish.

So fire up your grill, and get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds! These will be the best grilled chicken legs you’ve had in a long time!

Common Questions About Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Should You Marinate Them Before Grilling?

While marinating can certainly infuse your drumsticks with extra flavor, this recipe relies on a robust dry rub that provides a powerful flavor punch without the need for marination time. You can certainly experiment with marinades if you prefer, but it’s not required for this recipe.

If you want to marinate your chicken – you MUST try my chicken marinade recipe – it is THE BEST!

Gas Grill or Charcoal Grill?

Both gas and charcoal grills work well for this recipe. Charcoal grills may give you a slightly smokier flavor, but gas grills offer more temperature control. The choice is yours!

How Do I Avoid Drying Chicken Drumsticks While Grilling?

Grilling over medium heat and ensuring not to overcook the drumsticks will help prevent them from drying out.

Also, keeping the lid closed as much as possible will trap heat and maintain a consistent temperature, promoting even cooking.

Storage

Leftover grilled drumsticks are the best! They’re perfect for meal prep or when you just want a meaty snack during the day.

Refrigerator
Store leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Freezer
For longer storage, you can freeze cooked drumsticks in an airtight container for up to 3 months. I love to heat them up in the air fryer later on!

Tips

This is a recipe the whole family will love. Got picky eaters? No problem! You can’t go wrong with tender chicken drumsticks.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
• Rotate the drumsticks every 4-5 minutes for even grilling and beautiful grill marks.
• Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel before applying the dry rub for crispy skin.
• Let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the drumsticks, resulting in more tender, juicy meat.

Ingredients

I think you’ll agree that these are the perfect chicken drumsticks. The ingredients blend so well with the dark meat. Your mouth will be watering before you even start eating!

• Chicken Drumsticks
• Olive Oil
• Light Brown Sugar
• Fine Sea Salt
• Paprika
• Cracked Black Pepper
• Ground Cumin
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Cayenne Pepper

How to Make Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Follow these simple steps for grilled chicken perfection. The grilling is probably my favorite part! There is something so enjoyable about standing by the grill and watching as the meat cooks.

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, 450°F.
2. Combine the chicken rub in a small bowl.
3. Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel.
4. Coat the drumsticks with olive oil and season generously with the chicken rub.
5. Place drumsticks directly on the grill grates, turning them every 4-5 minutes while cooking. Cook time will vary depending on the size of your drumsticks. The drumsticks are done when the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches 165° F.
6. Serve immediately.
7. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

Chicken Seasoning: this recipe will make enough for 1 chicken recipe. You can double, triple, or quadruple the batch and reserve the remaining seasoning blend in an airtight container for later.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

The grill is the star of the show today. Make sure you have a good meat thermometer, though! Having an accurate temperature check is a game changer when cooking chicken.

• Grill (gas or charcoal) or air fryer/oven if adapting
• Meat Thermometer
• Small bowl
• Tongs
• Airtight container (for storage)
• BBQ Kit

What to Serve With Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks go well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with classic potato salad, a fresh green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or your favorite BBQ sides.

Why You Should Make Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

I love a good spice rub. It’s so satisfying to prep that meat and cover it with flavorful goodness. Add as much or as little as you like. I personally like to lay it on thick!

• They’re easy to make and need just a few simple ingredients.
• Drumsticks are often more flavorful and juicier than chicken breasts.
• They’re perfect for both a simple family dinner or a larger BBQ party.
• The versatile seasoning works well with other dishes too.

Variations and Add-Ins for Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

One great thing about this recipe is how easy it is to change up! Whether it’s the spices or the cooking method, you do what works best for you and your family. 

• Air Fryer Adaption
  No grill? No problem! You can make these tasty drumsticks in your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees F and cook for about 20–30 minutes, turning halfway through. Ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F for safe consumption.
• Oven Adaption
  You can also bake these drumsticks in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F, place the drumsticks on a baking sheet, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
• Switch up the spices in the dry rub according to your preferences.
• Brush your drumsticks with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 5 minutes of grilling for a tangy twist.
• For a zesty flavor boost, add lemon zest to the dry rub or squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished drumsticks.

If you love this easy grilled chicken recipe, you’re going to love these other grilling recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Chicken Recipes

Grilled Chicken Salad

Asian Chicken Skewers

Grilled Chicken Wings

Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

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If you love this recipe for grilled chicken legs as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!

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