How to BBQ Drumsticks - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

Barbecued drumsticks are a classic summertime favorite. Their texture and flavor make them an ideal choice for grilling. With a few simple steps, you can make succulent, fall-off-the-bone drumsticks right in your own backyard. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to make mouthwatering barbecued drumsticks, from choosing the right drumsticks to mastering cooking techniques on the grill. Follow these tips and you’ll be serving tender, juicy drumsticks all season long!

What Are Drumsticks?

Drumsticks are the lower part of a chicken’s leg. They consist of the thigh meat attached to the leg bone. Skin and fat cap the meat, keeping it moist during cooking. The bone lends flavor as the meat cooks.

Drumsticks can come from larger chickens or from smaller Cornish game hens. For barbecuing, choose large, meaty chicken drumsticks for the best results. Opt for drumsticks labelled “free-range” or “organic” for a higher quality product.

How to Choose Drumsticks for Grilling

When selecting drumsticks for the grill, keep these tips in mind:

Go for large drumsticks – The more meat on the drumstick, the better it will retain moisture on the grill. Smaller drumsticks may dry out.
Pick drumsticks with skin on – The skin helps seal in juices and fat keeps the meat from drying out over the heat. Skinless drumsticks are likely to be less tender.
Inspect for quality – Look for drumsticks without blemishes or tears in the skin. The meat should look plump and well attached to the bone. Avoid shriveled or discolored drumsticks.
Consider organic and free-range – These drumsticks often have more flavor and a better texture. The chickens have been raised in healthier environments.
Buy in bulk – Purchasing family packs of drumsticks can save money. Re-wrap and freeze extras until needed.

Choosing plump, high-quality drumsticks is the first step to mouthwatering barbecued results!

How to Prepare Drumsticks for Grilling

Preparing the drumsticks before they hit the grill is vital for maximum flavor and tenderness. Here are some tips:

Wash and pat dry – Give the drumsticks a rinse under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Moisture on the skin can make it stick.
Trim excess fat – Use kitchen shears to trim any large hunks of fat or loose skin, which can cause flare-ups on the grill. Keep the skin intact otherwise.
Coat with oil – Lightly brushing the drumsticks with olive oil or vegetable oil enables even browning and cooking on the grill. Rub it on just before grilling.
Season generously – For the best flavor, coat the drumsticks liberally with your favorite spices. Try salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder.
Consider marinating – For extra juicy and flavorful drumsticks, let them soak in a marinade for a few hours before grilling. A homemade marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs is delicious.
Allow the drumsticks to come to room temperature before grilling – This allows them to cook more quickly and evenly on the barbecue.

How to Grill Drumsticks Perfectly

Grilling drumsticks over a hot flame is easy and delicious when you follow these techniques:

Prepare the Grill

Preheat fully – Let the grill heat up completely before adding food. Clean and oil the grates. Medium heat (around 375°F) is ideal.
Create zones – On a charcoal grill, coals piled to one side creates a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for gentle cooking.
Reduce flare-ups – Trim excess fat and oil drumsticks lightly to prevent excessive flairing flames from charred drippings.

Cook the Drumsticks

Choose bone side down first – Place drumsticks skin side up on the hot part of the grill to start. This allows the fat to render and meat to cook evenly.
Flip once – Let them cook about 5 minutes then flip only once to the skin side down. Avoid flipping repeatedly which can dry them out.
Move to a cooler zone – Once browned, move the drumsticks to the grill’s cooler side to finish cooking through without burning.
Cook to 165°F – Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature. Drumsticks are safely cooked at 165°F-175°F.
Watch carefully – Monitor drumsticks to prevent charring. If flames flare up, move them to a cooler spot.
Allow to rest – Let drumsticks sit 5-10 minutes after grilling before serving. This allows juices to reabsorb for maximum moisture and flavor.

Add Sauce

Apply sauce near the end – Brush on your favorite barbecue sauce only during the last few minutes of grilling. This prevents burning.
Try twice – Sauce them briefly when almost done, flip to coat the other side, then sauce again right before removing from the grill.
Use reserved sauce – Serve extra warmed sauce on the side for drumstick dipping at the table.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Drumsticks

Following certain tips will give you the most succulent, mouthwatering drumsticks hot off the barbecue:

Pat drumsticks dry – Remove all moisture on the skin’s surface so it browns well and becomes crispy.
Oil the grill grates – This prevents sticking, especially with drumstick skin which contains fat.
Cook covered – Use a grill lid to hold in heat and moisture. Open occasionally to check doneness.
Rotate periodically – Occasionally spin drumsticks around to prevent hot spots and ensure even cooking.
Go low and slow if needed – Be willing to use a lower temp and longer cook time for exceptionally large or meaty drumsticks.
Resist piercing the meat – Don’t poke drumsticks with a fork as this releases juices. Use tongs to handle them.
Do not overcrowd – Leaving space between drumsticks allows heat circulation for proper grilling.

How to Tell When Drumsticks Are Done Grilling

Determining when the drumsticks are perfectly cooked requires using a few different techniques:

Check internal temperature – Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone. 165°F means safely cooked.
Look for crispy skin – When the fatty skin gets browned and crispy, the drumsticks are nearly finished cooking.
Cut to inspect – Slice into a drumstick to check it is no longer pink inside. Juices should run clear.
Check for looseness – Carefully wiggle a drumstick. It should feel loose on the bone when completely cooked through.
Do the twist test – Twist a drumstick. If the meat starts to pull away from the bone, it is fully cooked and tender.
Look for shrinkage – Properly cooked drumsticks will pull back from the ends of the bones slightly when finished grilling.

Using a combination of these visual and temperature cues will ensure your barbecue drumsticks turn out perfectly cooked.

5 Delicious Barbecue Drumstick Recipes

While simple seasoned and sauced drumsticks are always tasty, you can also kick the flavor up a notch with these recipes:

1. Jerk Drumsticks

Coat drumsticks in a spicy homemade jerk marinade. Typical ingredients include allspice, thyme, garlic, brown sugar, rum, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Grill and serve with grilled pineapple.

2. BBQ Soy Drumsticks

Marinate drumsticks in a mixture of soy sauce, chili paste, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Grill until caramelized and sticky.

3. Mustard and Thyme Drumsticks

Slather drumsticks with a combination of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh thyme before grilling. Simple and delicious.

4. Cola BBQ Drumsticks

Boil drumsticks briefly in cola or Dr. Pepper to tenderize. Drain, then coat with your favorite barbecue sauce and grill until caramelized.

5. Teriyaki Drumsticks

Soak drumsticks overnight in a homemade teriyaki marinade. Grill and glaze frequently with the marinade for irresistible results.

The possibilities are endless for adding new flavors to grilled drumsticks! Get creative with rubs, marinades, and sauces.

How to Clean Your Grill After Cooking Drumsticks

Properly cleaning your grill after cooking drumsticks keeps it in good shape for the next use:

Wait for the grill to cool completely to avoid burns.
Scrape the grill grates thoroughly with a stiff wire brush to remove all stuck-on drippings and residue.
Empty and clean out the grease trap cup to eliminate flammable buildup.
Inspect burners and clear any clogged ports. Remove and clean removable grill parts.
For gas grills, turn the burners on high for 15 minutes with the lid closed to incinerate debris.
When grates are cool, wash with hot soapy water, rinse, and dry completely before storing.
Wipe the outer surfaces of the grill to remove grease and drips from the lid and exterior.
Replace grease catchers or aluminum foil sheets in drip pans.
brush off accumulated ash from charcoal grills before storing.

Proper grill maintenance prevents flare-ups and keeps your barbecue working its best for years to come.

Storing Leftover Barbecue Drumsticks

For safe storage of any uneaten grilled drumsticks:

Allow drumsticks to cool to room temperature after cooking before refrigerating.
Transfer leftovers to sealable containers or resealable plastic bags. Remove as much air as possible.
Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Use leftovers within 3-4 days for peak freshness.
Frozen leftovers will keep for 2-3 months. Ensure drumsticks are packaged airtight for freezing.
When reheating leftovers, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

With proper storage techniques, you can safely enjoy leftover barbecued drumsticks for a few days after grilling. Just remember to reheat fully before serving again.

Common Questions About Grilling Drumsticks

If you’re new to making drumsticks on the barbecue, here are answers to some common questions:

Should I remove the skin before grilling drumsticks?

No, the skin helps keep the meat moist. Leave it on, but trim excess fat. Crispy skin is the best part for many barbecue fans.

What temperature is best for grilling drumsticks?

Medium heat, around 375°F, allows the inside to cook through without burning the outside. Some charring is desirable for flavor.

How long does it take to grill drumsticks?

Depending on thickness, drumsticks take 15-30 minutes. Large or meaty drumsticks may need up to 45 minutes if using lower heat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Why do my drumsticks stick to the grill?

Ensure grates are clean and oiled before use. Overcrowding can also cause sticking. Give drumsticks room to breathe on the grill.

How can I prevent drumsticks drying out on the grill?

Don’t poke holes in the meat. Flip only once. Brush on sauce at the end. Allow drumsticks to rest before eating.

Grilled Drumsticks: An American Favorite

When summer arrives, few foods satisfy quite like tender barbecue drumsticks hot off the grill. Their crispy skin, smoky flavor, and juicy meat make them an American cookout staple. While grilling drumsticks takes a little skill, the right techniques ensure mouthwatering results every time. With quality chicken drumsticks and proper seasoning, you can enjoy this classic all season long. Hosting a party? Double or triple the recipe – barbecued drumsticks always disappear fast! Grilling drumsticks at home might become your new favorite summer tradition.

How to Serve Barbecue Drumsticks

Barbecued drumsticks taste amazing on their own, but they also pair well with various sides and sauces. Here are some serving ideas:

Serve drumsticks with classic barbecue sides like baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, or potato salad.
Offer sliced fresh vegetables like corn on the cob, zucchini, or roasted potatoes.
Cool down the heat with refreshing homemade lemonade, iced tea, or a summer fruit salad.
Play up the finger-licking factor by providing moist towelettes and plenty of napkins.
Offer several barbecue sauce options like Kansas City, Carolina vinegar, or spicy chipotle style.
For a complete meal, add a fresh green salad, grilled vegetables, or macaroni and cheese.
For a Hawaiian twist, serve drumsticks with grilled pineapple slices or mango salsa.
For a Mexican flair, try grilled corn, black beans, tortillas, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
To add crunch, make coleslaw, potato salad, or fresh vegetable slaws to accompany the drumsticks.

The possibilities are endless for amazing sides to complement your succulent grilled drumsticks!

Conclusion

Well-cooked barbecue drumsticks are a highlight of any summer cookout. With the right prep, seasoning, and grilling techniques, you can make these chicken legs shine. Allow time for marinating, follow temperature guidelines, and flip them carefully. Soon you’ll be an expert at serving up delicious char-grilled drumsticks your whole family will devour. The combination of juicy meat, crispy skin, and smoky flavor will have everyone going back for more. Fire up the grill, whip up your favorite sauce, and enjoy this classic all barbecue season long!