Chicken drumsticks are a classic barbecue food. Their small size makes them perfect for grilling quickly over direct heat. With just a little prep, drumsticks can become juicy, flavorful and tender barbecue delights.
Follow this guide to learn how to properly prep, season and grill chicken drumsticks for finger-licking good barbecue. We’ll cover everything from choosing drumsticks to sauces and rubs to make your drumsticks pop with flavor. With a few simple tips, you’ll be a pro at making tender, juicy grilled drumsticks to enjoy all barbecue season long.
Choosing Drumsticks for Grilling
When selecting drumsticks for the grill, keep the following tips in mind:
Go for Freshness
- Look for drumsticks that are fresh, not frozen. Fresh poultry has better texture and absorbs seasonings and sauces better.
- Check the sell-by date and pick drumsticks that are within a few days of this date for optimal freshness.
- The drumsticks should have no odor. A slight poultry smell is normal but they shouldn’t have an ammonia-like or rotten odor.
Check for Quality
- Choose plump, meaty drumsticks without any tears or holes in the skin.
- Avoid drumsticks with bones protruding through the skin or large bruises.
- Opt for drumsticks of similar sizes for even grilling.
- Both the meat and skin should have a healthy pink/white color without discoloration.
Consider Organic, Free-Range and Natural Options
- While more expensive, organic and free-range drumsticks often have better texture and flavor. Their diet can enhance the taste.
- “Natural” drumsticks without added hormones or antibiotics are another good choice for quality.
- Standard supermarket drumsticks work fine too, providing you pick fresh, undamaged drumsticks.
Following these simple tips when buying drumsticks will help you grill up plump, juicy and flavorful pieces of chicken every time.
Prepping Drumsticks for the Grill
Proper prep is key for tender, juicy drumsticks right off the grill. Here are some tips:
Rinse and Pat Dry
- Give the drumsticks a quick rinse under cool water to remove any residue.
- Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Any excess moisture can inhibit absorbency of seasonings.
Trim Excess Skin/Fat
- Use kitchen shears to trim away any loose pieces of skin or large lumps of fat.
- Be careful not to cut the actual meat.
- Trimming minimizes flare-ups on the grill.
Consider Marinating
- For added moisture and flavor, marinate drumsticks in a zip-top bag with your favorite marinade.
- Let them soak at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Discard used marinade which can harbor bacteria.
- Pat drumsticks dry again before grilling.
Apply a Dry Rub
- For flavorful barbecue drumsticks, coat them in a dry seasoning rub before grilling.
- Gently rub the spices all over drumsticks to coat evenly.
- Let them sit 5-10 minutes for flavors to penetrate before grilling.
With drumsticks rinsed, trimmed, seasoned and ready for the grill, it’s time for the fun part – tossing them on the barbecue!
How to Grill Chicken Drumsticks
Grilling drumsticks takes just minutes with these tips:
Use Direct High Heat
- Drumsticks should be grilled over direct high heat, around 375-450°F.
- This helps render the fat and skin to crispy perfection.
- Avoid indirect heat which steams rather than sears.
Place Drumsticks Skin-Side Down First
- Lay drumsticks skin-side down first on hot grill grates.
- Let them sear without moving for 5-6 minutes. This renders the fat and makes the skin crispy.
- Resist the urge to move them too soon or the skin will tear.
Flip and Finish Cooking
- After searing skin-side down, flip the drumsticks and grill on second side for 8-12 minutes.
- Test for doneness by cutting into thickest part of meat. Juices should run clear.
- Cook longer if needed until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- For crispiest skin, flip back over at end for 1 minute skin-side down again.
Add Sauces Near End
- If using barbecue sauce, wait until last 2-3 minutes to brush some on.
- Saucing too early can burn and get sticky. Sauce just before pulling off grill.
- You can also serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Grilling drumsticks is fast and easy. Just sear the skin, finish cooking through, brush sauce on at end and you’ll have finger-licking barbecue enjoyment!
Flavorful Rubs for Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
A good dry seasoning rub adds tons of flavor to grilled drumsticks. Here are some tasty homemade rub combinations:
Easy Barbecue Drumstick Rub
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp each salt, pepper and garlic powder
Zesty Lemon Pepper Drumstick Rub
- 2 Tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp onion powder
- 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
Savory Mediterranean Drumstick Rub
- 1 Tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, salt
- 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
Tangy Jerk Drumstick Rub
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp jerk seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1⁄2 tsp each salt and black pepper
Sweet & Smoky Drumstick Rub
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1⁄2 tsp each salt, pepper and garlic powder
Experiment with different herb and spice combos in homemade rubs to discover your go-to mixture for flavorful drumsticks. Apply the rub evenly all over drumsticks before grilling.
Saucy Barbecue Drumstick Ideas
For extra juicy and flavorful grilled drumsticks, brush on some zesty barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. Or serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Classic Barbecue Sauce
The classic tangy, sweet and smoky blend pairs perfectly with grilled drumsticks.
Honey Barbecue Sauce
Stir in some honey for added sweetness along with that signature barbecue zing.
Spicy Barbecue Sauce
Add some hot sauce, chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Asian Barbecue Sauce
Mix in some soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and red pepper flakes for an Asian flavor.
Mango Barbecue Sauce
Pureed mango adds tropical fruit flavor to saucy drumsticks.
Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
For adults, stir in a splash of bourbon for a boozy, smoky sauce.
Let your taste preferences guide you in choosing or creating the ideal barbecue sauce to complement your seasoned, grilled drumsticks.
Grilled Drumstick FAQs
Grilling up perfect chicken drumsticks every time is easy with the answers to these common questions:
How long does it take to grill chicken drumsticks?
- Allow 15-20 minutes total grill time for bone-in chicken drumsticks. Sear the skin side for 5-6 minutes first, then flip and cook 8-12 minutes until done.
What temperature should you grill drumsticks?
- Grill drumsticks over direct high heat, around 375-450°F. This helps crisp the skin and cook the meat all the way through.
Should you brine chicken drumsticks before grilling?
- Yes, soaking drumsticks in a saltwater brine for 1-2 hours before grilling helps seasoning penetrate and keeps the meat juicy.
How do you keep drumsticks from drying out on the grill?
- Choose plump, fresh drumsticks and brine if desired. Use direct high heat to sear and cook through. Glaze with sauce at the end. Don’t overcook.
How do you get the skin crispy on grilled drumsticks?
- Sear skin-side down first on hot grill grates for 5-6 minutes undisturbed. Flip back over skin-side down right at the end too.
With the right techniques and a little practice, you can master grilling moist, juicy chicken drumsticks with crispy skin to enjoy all barbecue season long.
Grilled Drumstick Recipes
Put your drumstick grilling skills to work with these delicious recipe ideas:
Simple Lemon Pepper Grilled Drumsticks
Coat drumsticks with a zesty lemon pepper rub. Grill to perfection and squeeze fresh lemon over top.
Sweet & Smoky Grilled Drumsticks
Glaze seasoned drumsticks with a homemade brown sugar and chili powder barbecue sauce.
Jerk Grilled Drumsticks
Infuse drumsticks with the flavors of the islands with jerk seasoning and pineapple salsa.
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Drumsticks
Crisp bacon locks in the juices of barbecue sauced drumsticks.
Greek Grilled Drumsticks
Marinate drumsticks in a yogurt, lemon and oregano marinade before grilling.
The options are endless for making drumsticks your own with unique rubs, glazes and marinades!
Conclusion
For such a simple barbecue food, grilled chicken drumsticks can deliver huge flavor. With just a quick brine or seasoning rub, followed by quick searing over direct heat, you can enjoy tender, juicy drumsticks kissed with smoky barbecue flavor all summer long.
Keep drumsticks plump and fresh. Sear the skin first. Finish cooking over high heat. Glaze with sauce near the end. Follow these basic tips and the drumsticks coming off your grill will be finger-licking good every time.
So fire up the barbecue because grilling season waits for no one! With this handy guide, you can grill, glaze and sauce drumsticks like a true backyard pitmaster. Enjoy your delicious barbecue drumsticks!