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Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are inexpensive to make and so flavorful on the grill. From the crispy skin to the perfect blend of seasoning, this recipe is so amazing and one to save.
Easy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks recipe
Our family loves to grill and chicken drumsticks always turn out delicious. In just a few minutes of grilling, this step by step recipe makes dinner a breeze. Not only is this meal very frugal but the flavor is perfect every single time.
The dry rub is easy to make and you probably have most of it in the pantry. Between the seasoning and the grill flavor, it is a hit.
Whether you use a charcoal grill or a gas grill, this chicken will be absolutely delicious. Get dinner on the table fast for a meal everyone will enjoy without much work or expense.
Why you will love Chicken Drumsticks:
- Minimum prep work. The chicken only takes about 5 minutes prep work. The seasoning is easy to mix together and the chicken takes minutes to coat.
- Inexpensive. The dry rub is mostly pantry staples and chicken legs are frugal. The entire meal is very inexpensive and easily fits in the grocery budget.
- Easy for meal prepping. The chicken can be seasoned up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated. Just toss on the grill the next day for dinner. This is a great way to make an easy recipe even simpler.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Drumsticks
- Olive Oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Chili Powder
- Onion Powder
How to grill chicken drumsticks:
- Step 1. Fire up the grill. Preheat your grill over medium high heat to approximately 400 degrees F.
- Step 2. Prepare the grill. Spray the grill grates with a non-stick cooking spray or rub with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.
- Step 3. Combine the seasoning. Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Step 4. Coat the chicken in seasoning. Place the drumsticks in a large bowl, pour the oil on top and sprinkle the seasonings over the drumsticks. Toss to make sure that the drumsticks are thoroughly coated in the olive and the seasoning mixture.
- Step 5. Grill the chicken. Place the drumsticks on direct heat and grill for 25-30 minutes flipping every 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Step 6. Remove chicken legs on the grill and allow to rest. Then remove the drumsticks from the grill and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes and then the chicken is ready to serve and enjoy!
How long to grill chicken drumsticks?
Chicken drumsticks on the grill do not take very long to cook. They take about 25 to 30 minutes.
This can vary based on the size of the drumsticks. Keep a check on them so that you do not overcook them.
How do you grill chicken legs without drying them out?
The key to perfect grilled drumsticks every time is using a meat thermometer. This will help the chicken not to be dry. Once chicken has been overcooked, it becomes very dry and there isn’t really anything you can do at that point.
We use an instant read thermometer for meat and it is so easy to cook the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to ensure accuracy.
What to serve with drumsticks:
- Glazed Grilled Carrots – The grill marks are gorgeous on these carrots and the flavor is so delicious. Even my kiddos that don’t care for carrots really like this recipe.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn is very simple and takes just a few minutes to make.
- Baked Potatoes on the Grill – Keep the kitchen cool and cook these baked potates on the grill instead of the oven.
- Cheesy Potatoes – These cheesy potatoes cook easily in the slow cooker for an easy side dish.
These chicken drumsticks are so delicious and pairs well with many different side dishes. We prefer to make the sides on the grill because it is just fun to grill but it also keeps the kitchen clean.
When everything can be cooked on the grill, it really simplifies things. Plus, we have fun hanging out by the grill so it isn’t any more work to make a few sides.
Tips for grilling drumsticks:
- Remove moisture from chicken. Pat the chicken with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before adding the dry rub.
- Prepare the grill. It is important that you coat the grill grates in oil before adding the chicken. This will prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Keep the lid closed on the grill. This will ensure the chicken cooks evenly. Only open it when it is time to flip the chicken.
- Flipping the chicken. The chicken needs to be flipped every 10 to 15 minutes until it has finished cooking.
- Meat Thermometer. We highly recommend using a meat thermometer so you can accurately measure the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Leftovers. Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5 days. You can reheat in the microwave or the oven. We suggest reheating in the oven to enjoy the same crispiness as when originally grilled.
Recipe variations:
- Bake the chicken. You can also make these in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes (flipping every 10-15 minutes) until the chicken reaches an internal temperature for 165 degrees F.
- Seasoning. Spice things up and add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dry rub. You can add this to taste based on your preference of spiciness.
- Barbecue Sauce. Baste the chicken legs with BBQ sauce once you remove them from the grill for another great flavor idea.
- Teriyaki Sauce. If you love the flavors of teriyaki sauce, spread this on the chicken as soon as it comes off the grill.
- Other cuts of chicken. This same blend of dry ingredients can easily be used on chicken breasts or chicken thighs. You will need to adjust the cooking time but the internal temperature of 165 degrees remains the same.
Give this tasty chicken recipe a try. It is so frugal, tasty and simple to make. We think your family will really enjoy it and make it a permanent recipe on your menu plan.
Print this recipe for Grilled Chicken Drumsticks:
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 2 lb Chicken Drumsticks
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
- Preheat your grill over medium high heat to approximately 400 degrees F. Spray the grill grates with a non-stick cooking spray or rub with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.
- Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl.
- Place the drumsticks in a large bowl, pour the oil on top and sprinkle the seasonings over the drumsticks. Toss to make sure that the drumsticks are thoroughly coated in the olive and the seasoning mixture.
- Place the drumsticks on direct heat and grill for 25-30 minutes flipping every 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Then remove the drumsticks from the grill and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes and then the chicken is ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Facts
More easy drumstick recipes:
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
- BBQ Ranch Drumsticks
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
yes, See our Air Fryer Drumsticks recipe.
Can these drumsticks be made in the air fryer?