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–+ servings
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with BBQ Glaze
Sarah Mock, savoring a glass of red wine, smiles warmly indoors near a staircase. With her long brown hair and light blouse, she exudes relaxed elegance in this candid headshot.Sarah Mock
A no-fuss recipe for perfectly grilled chicken drumsticks every time; great for weeknights, cookouts, and everything in between.
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Grilled chicken drumsticks with barbecue sauce cooking on a metal grate over hot charcoal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Prep Time55 minutes
servings4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 Pounds Chicken Drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon Avocado oil or any high-heat oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • BBQ sauce for brushing after cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the BBQ with a hot zone (direct heat) and a cool zone (indirect heat).
  2. Pat the drumsticks dry and coat them evenly with the avocado oil.
    2 Pounds Chicken Drumsticks , 1 tablespoon Avocado oil
  3. Mix the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme, then rub the seasoning all over the drumsticks.
    1 teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, 1 teaspoon Paprika, 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon Onion Powder, ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  4. Place drumsticks on the cool zone, close the lid, and cook for 15–20 minutes.
  5. Turn the drumsticks and cook for another 10–15 minutes, keeping the lid closed.
  6. Move the drumsticks to the hot zone for 3–5 minutes to char and finish cooking.
  7. Brush lightly with BBQ sauce and grill for 1–2 minutes to set the glaze.
    BBQ sauce for brushing after cooking
  8. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 3each | Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 366mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 322IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Notes

Flavor Tip
Rub the seasoning mix generously all over every drumstick, getting under the skin where possible for maximum flavor.
What does 'done' look like?
You're looking for deep golden-brown color with a few dark char marks. Color = flavor, not a mistake!
Make Ahead Tips
  1. Season up to 24 hours in advance. Coat the drumsticks in oil and the spice rub, then cover and refrigerate. The seasoning penetrates deeper overnight for extra flavor.
  2. Do not add BBQ sauce ahead of time. The sugars in BBQ sauce will break down and can cause the skin to get soggy before it hits the grill.
  3. Pull from the fridge 20-30 minutes before grilling. Cold chicken hitting a hot grill leads to uneven cooking. Letting it come closer to room temperature helps it cook evenly.
  4. Pre-mix your spice rub. Store it in a small jar for up to 3 months - great for grilling season!
 
CourseChicken Recipes
CuisineAmerican
Keywordgrilled chicken drumsticks
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