Who doesn’t love grilled chicken drumsticks? They are the perfect summer BBQ food. But you must know the secrets to grill them perfectly if you want them to be delicious. Keep reading for tips on how to make your grilled chicken drumsticks irresistible!
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Who doesn’t love crispy, juicy grilled chicken drumsticks? Marinated in a mixture of your favorite sauces and spices, these poultry favorites are a crowd-pleaser at any cookout.
Simmer them over indirect heat so the skin gets crisp without burning, then move them over direct heat until they reach your desired char level. Serve as finger food with a side of barbecue sauce, or chop it up and incorporate it into salads or sandwiches.
However, you choose to enjoy them, grilled chicken drumsticks will surely be a hit with family and friends. Remember the napkins! But beware: once you taste these crispy masterpieces, it may be hard to return to plain old baked chicken drumsticks. Happy grilling!
Why are chicken drumsticks great for grilling?
When it comes to grilling chicken, drumsticks are often underestimated. Some may dismiss them as only suitable for chicken wings, but they make for an incredibly delicious and satisfying choice.
Unlike chicken breasts, drumsticks have more fat marbled throughout the meat. It keeps the meat from drying out and gives it a richer flavor when grilled. Chicken drumsticks have a natural handle for easy eating at barbecues and picnics.
Want to impress your guests with something new on the grill? Try chicken drumsticks next time and watch them disappear quickly off the plate.
Don’t forget to add your favorite barbecue sauce for added flavor! Overall, chicken drumsticks are an excellent choice for grilling that should not be overlooked.
The best way to marinate chicken drumsticks
When it comes to grilled chicken drumsticks, marinating is key to achieving tender, flavor-packed results.
The best marinades start with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or vinegar, which helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat. Next, add a mix of herbs and spices for extra flavor.
A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper makes a great all-purpose grilled chicken drumstick seasoning. Alternatively, you can use a grilled chicken drumstick dry rub instead.
Grilled chicken drumstick dry rub
My go-to grilled chicken drumsticks dry rub recipe includes a blend of paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and brown sugar for a balance of smoky and sweet flavors. Mix the dry rub ingredients and coat the chicken drumsticks generously before grilling.
The result is tender and juicy grilled chicken with a crispy outer layer packed with delicious flavor. Don’t be afraid to add more dry rub as needed while the chicken is grilling to ensure each drumstick gets an extra punch of taste.
Golden tip
Whichever method you choose, allow the drumsticks to marinate for at least one hour before grilling – overnight is even better. With these tasty marinating techniques, your grilled chicken drumsticks will be sure to impress.
How long does it take to grill chicken drumsticks?
The grilled chicken drumsticks are done when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To check, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching the bone.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check by cutting into the thickest part and ensuring that the juices run clear and the center is no longer pink.
Remember that grilled chicken drumsticks will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the heat, so it’s important not to overcook them.
Generally speaking, grilled chicken drumsticks will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the proper temperature, but this may vary depending on your grill’s heat level and the size of the drumsticks. Happy grilling!
Things You Need to Cook Grilled Smoked
Grilled smoked foods always taste better. They are often juicier and more flavorful. If you want to make the best grilled smoked food, there are a few things you need to know. Keep reading for tips on how to grill smoke like a pro!
- Chicken drumsticks
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
Which one is better for grilled chicken drumsticks, Charcoal or gas?
If you’re looking for that authentic grilled flavor, then Charcoal is the way to go. Charcoal produces higher temperatures, which helps to sear the meat and give it a nice crust. Plus, there’s something about the smoky flavor that can’t be beaten.
However, gas is more convenient and easier to control. You don’t have to deal with lighting the Charcoal or waiting for it to heat up. Gas grills also tend to be less messy. So if you’re looking for an easy grilling experience, gas is the way.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
The perfect temperature for grilled chicken drumsticks?
The perfect temperature for grilled chicken drumsticks is about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your chicken is cooked through and crispy on the outside.
If you are using Charcoal to grill your chicken, you will need to wait until the coals are white hot before cooking. It will ensure that your chicken gets that delicious smoky flavor.
To baste or not to baste chicken drumsticks while grilling
There are benefits and drawbacks to basting chicken while grilling. One advantage is that it can help create a crispy skin on the chicken. Basting also allows you to add additional flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
However, there are also some drawbacks. Basting can cause flare-ups on the grill; if you’re not careful, you can easily overcook the chicken. If you’re undecided about whether or not to baste your chicken while grilling, you can do a few things to help make your decision.
How to tell when chicken drumsticks are done?
Slow-grilled chicken drumsticks are the best way to enjoy this summertime classic. Here’s how to tell when they’re done:
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure your grill is preheated to the correct temperature. For chicken, that’s between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, place your chicken drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 20 minutes, flipping them once halfway through.
To check if they’re done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once they reach that temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- To taste, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub spice mixture all over the chicken drumsticks.
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce and honey. Pour half of the soy sauce mixture over the chicken drumsticks; turn to coat.
- Grill chicken drumsticks for about 25 minutes, turning once or until they are cooked and slightly charred on the outside.
- Grill lime wedges alongside the chicken for a citrusy touch.
Nutrition
Tips for perfect grilled chicken every time
1. Choose the proper chicken
When grilling chicken, you want to ensure you start with the right kind of chicken. Look for chicken that is fresh, organic, and hormone-free. Try to find a chicken that has been raised on a local farm.
2. Marinate the chicken
One of the best ways to ensure that your grilled chicken turns out juicy and flavorful is to marinate it before grilling. There are endless possibilities for marinades, so feel free to get creative.
Just make sure to include some acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar) in your marinade, as this will help to tenderize the meat.
3. Preheat the grill
Before you start grilling your chicken, be sure to preheat your grill. Aiming for a temperature of about 375 degrees Fahrenheit would be best.
4. Use a thermometer
One of the best ways to ensure that your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Avoid flipping the chicken too often
Once you place your chicken on the grill, please resist the urge to flip it too frequently. Flipping the chicken too often will dry out the meat and prevent it from developing those beautiful grill marks. Aim for flipping the chicken only once or twice during cooking.
6. Let the chicken rest
After you remove the chicken from the grill, please resist the urge to cut into it right away. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful meat.
7. Serve immediately
Grilled chicken is best served hot off the grill. If you need to hold onto it for a bit, keep it warm by placing it on a plate and covering it with foil.
