Introduction
Barbecue chicken drumsticks are a classic and delicious summertime treat. When properly prepared, drumsticks come off the grill juicy, tender and packed with smoky barbecue flavor. This method will show you how to make mouthwatering bbq chicken drumsticks right in your own backyard. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can master the art of bbq drumsticks.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken drumsticks (about 6-8 drumsticks per person)
- Barbecue seasoning rub or sauce
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Wood chips or chunks (optional)
Prep the Drumsticks
- Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Make sure they are completely dry before applying any oil or seasoning.
- Coat the drumsticks lightly with olive oil or vegetable oil. This helps the seasoning adhere and creates a nice crust when grilling.
- Generously season the drumsticks with barbecue rub or sauce. Make sure to coat all sides. Feel free to create your own special blend of spices and herbs.
- For extra flavor, you can inject the drumsticks with barbecue marinade. Use an injector syringe and inject the marinade deep into the meat.
- Let the drumsticks sit for 15-30 minutes at room temperature after seasoning to allow the flavors to penetrate. You can also refrigerate overnight for more intense flavor.
Set Up the Grill
- For optimal results, barbecue chicken drumsticks should be cooked over indirect heat on a charcoal or gas grill. This allows the chicken to cook slowly while absorbing maximum smoke flavor.
- If using a charcoal grill, build a two-zone fire by piling the hot coals on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. If using a gas grill, turn on just one of the burners to create a hot zone and a cooler zone.
- Add some wood chips or chunks to the hot coals/flame for extra smoke. Good wood choices include hickory, oak, cherry, apple or mesquite. Avoid soft woods like pine which can impart a bitter flavor.
- Heat the grill to a temperature between 325-375°F. This relatively low heat ensures tender and juicy meat.
- Clean the grill grates thoroughly before cooking. Oil the grates with vegetable oil or spray to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken Drumsticks
- Place the drumsticks on the cool side of the grill, avoiding direct heat. Give them plenty of space between each piece.
- Close the grill lid to trap heat and smoke. Cook for 30-40 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Move the drumsticks around periodically if one area is cooking faster.
- During the last 5-10 minutes of grilling, move the drumsticks directly over the hot coals/flame to get some char. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Test for doneness by cutting into a drumstick to ensure the juices run clear and the meat reaches 165°F internally.
- Once fully cooked, immediately remove the drumsticks from the grill. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Baste with Barbecue Sauce
- During the last few minutes of grilling, start basting the drumsticks with your favorite barbecue sauce. Apply the sauce thickly and let it caramelize slightly.
- You can also reserve some sauce to serve on the side for dipping.
Tips for Extra Flavor
- Injecting broth, fruit juices or extra marinade into the chicken adds incredible moisture and flavor.
- For a crispy skin, coat with baking powder before seasoning. The baking powder helps dehydrate the skin.
- Grilled peaches, pineapple or onions make tasty garnishes. Try wrapping in foil with brown sugar and spices.
- After smoking, wrap drumsticks tightly in foil and let them rest in a cooler for 1 hour before serving for incredibly tender meat.
- Serve drumsticks with traditional barbecue sides like coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, cornbread and watermelon.
Common BBQ Drumstick FAQs
What is the best wood for smoking chicken drumsticks?
Hickory, oak and apple wood chips impart the best flavor for chicken. Avoid soft woods like pine that can leave a bitter taste.
Should I brine chicken drumsticks before grilling?
Brining helps drumsticks stay incredibly moist and tender. Dissolve 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups warm water, then soak drumsticks for 30 mins to 1 hour.
How can I get crispy chicken drumstick skin?
Coating with baking powder before seasoning dehydrates the skin. Grill over direct high heat at the end. Avoid steaming skin by not overcrowding.
What temperature should I grill bbq chicken drumsticks?
Cook between 325-375°F using indirect heat to allow for slow smoking. Move over direct heat at the end to crisp the skin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F.
How long does it take to grill chicken drumsticks?
Bone-in chicken drumsticks take approximately 40-60 minutes to fully cook through. Cook times vary based on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Can I grill frozen chicken drumsticks?
It’s best to thaw drumsticks for 24 hours in the refrigerator before grilling. If in a pinch, grill frozen drumsticks over indirect low heat for about 1 hour until fully cooked through.
Conclusion
Juicy barbecue chicken drumsticks straight off the grill are a summertime treat that never disappoints. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can achieve tender meat infused with rich smoke flavor and crispy charred bits. Experiment with different dry rubs and barbecue sauces until you find your signature style. Get creative with additional ingredients like grilled fruits and vegetables. Enjoy these finger-licking drumsticks as the star of your next cookout or picnic!