Drumsticks are a classic BBQ food. Their juicy meat and crispy skin make them a crowd-pleasing choice. But knowing how long to grill drumsticks can be tricky. Undercook them and they’ll be tough and dry. Overcook them and the meat dries out. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to BBQ drumsticks for tender, flavorful results every time.

Selecting Drumsticks for Grilling

When selecting drumsticks for the grill, opt for high-quality organic chicken drumsticks whenever possible. Free-range and organic drumsticks have a deeper, richer flavor that really shines when barbecued.

Look for drumsticks that are evenly sized so they’ll cook in the same amount of time. Avoid any with tears or holes in the skin, as these will dry out on the grill.

For easier maneuvering on the grill, choose drumsticks without the wing tip attached. Or ask your butcher to remove the tip.

Skin-On vs Skinless

Chicken drumsticks can be cooked on the barbecue with the skin on or off:

Skin-on – This is the most flavorful option. The skin protects the meat, seals in juices, and provides a crispy texture.
Skinless – Skinless drumsticks will be slightly healthier and lower fat. But they tend to dry out faster. Be sure to watch skinless drumsticks closely on the grill.

So for the ideal BBQ drumsticks, go for skin-on. The skin protects the meat, keeping it tender and moist.

Bone-In vs Boneless

You can also find boneless chicken drumsticks. However, bone-in drumsticks are a better choice for the grill. The bone:

Adds more flavor as it cooks
Keeps the meat moist
Provides structure when turning on the grill

So for grilling, stick with traditional bone-in drumsticks for the best results. The boneless variety often dries out too quickly over direct heat.

How Many Drumsticks Per Person

When estimating how many drumsticks to cook, plan for:

2-3 drumsticks per adult
1-2 drumsticks per child

This provides a good single serving size. Adjust amounts as needed depending on appetites and whether you’ll serve any side dishes.

Having a few extra drumsticks can allow for seconds and leftovers. Extras also give you a buffer in case a few drumsticks get overcooked.

Setting Up the Grill for Drumsticks

The right grill setup helps ensure drumsticks cook evenly without burning or drying out. Follow these tips:

Direct vs Indirect Heat

The best method is to use a combination of direct and indirect heat:

Direct heat – Cook over direct high heat first to sear the skin and lock in juices.
Indirect heat – Move to indirect heat on the grill to finish cooking through without burning.

If your grill doesn’t have distinct direct/indirect areas, sear briefly over high heat. Then reduce heat to medium and move drumsticks to cooler areas of the grill to finish cooking.

Temperature

Aim for these grill temperatures when cooking drumsticks:

High heat – 500°F to 550°F for searing
Medium heat – 350°F to 375°F for finishing

Use a grill thermometer to accurately gauge temperature.

Grill Setup

Set up a two-zone fire in your grill with direct and indirect heat zones:

Direct zone – Cook over high heat on one side for searing.
Indirect zone – Move to the other cooler side to finish cooking without burning.

If your grill doesn’t have two zones, cook over direct high heat briefly just to sear. Then reduce heat and shift drumsticks to the outer edges to finish cooking over indirect medium heat.

Prevent Flare-Ups

Grease drippings from fatty chicken skin can cause flare-ups. To prevent this:

Trim excess fat and skin
Cook over indirect heat
Avoid sugary marinades that can burn
Use a drip pan under drumsticks to catch drippings

How Long Does it Take to Grill Chicken Drumsticks?

Grilling times can vary based on a few factors. Follow these general timelines as a guide:

Grill Times for Chicken Drumsticks

6-8 minutes per side over direct high heat to sear
25-35 minutes total cooking time to finish over indirect medium heat
Small drumsticks – Approximately 30 minutes total
Large drumsticks – Approximately 40 minutes total

Factors Affecting Cook Time

Several factors can lengthen or shorten cook times:

Drumstick size – Larger drumsticks take longer
Bone vs boneless – Boneless cook faster
Skin on vs skinless – Skinless cook slightly faster
Grill temperature – Higher heat reduces cook time
Marinades – Sugary marinades may caramelize and burn faster

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of relying solely on cook times. This ensures drumsticks reach safe internal temperatures.

How to Tell When Drumsticks Are Done Grilling

It can be tricky to gauge doneness of chicken legs by look and feel. Use these methods to confirm drumsticks are fully cooked:

Use a Meat Thermometer

This is the most reliable way to test doneness. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a drumstick without touching the bone.

Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches:

165°F minimum for instant safety
175°F for juicy meat – at this temp the juices run clear rather than pink

Check Internal Color

When drumsticks are fully cooked, the meat near the bone should no longer be pink. The juices should run clear.

Cut Into Meat

Slice into a drumstick to inspect the internal color. When fully cooked, it will be white throughout with no traces of pink.

Perform Touch Test

Fully cooked drumsticks feel firm when pressed. The meat should not feel squishy or overly soft.

Look for Crispy Skin

Perfectly grilled drumsticks have crispy, browned skin. But don’t rely solely on the skin, as meat can still be underdone.

Use multiple tests described above to confirm doneness for foolproof results. This prevents serving undercooked chicken that poses a health risk.

How to Keep Drumsticks Moist When Grilling

It’s easy for lean drumsticks to dry out on the grill. Follow these tips to keep them juicy and tender:

Cook over indirect heat to prevent burning.
Use skin-on drumsticks – the skin seals in natural juices.
Marinate drumsticks for added moisture.
Avoid overcooking – use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness.
Let drumsticks rest 5 minutes before serving – this allows juices to redistribute.
Lightly brush with oil or butter when nearly finished – adds richness.
Keep grill lid closed as much as possible to circulate moisture.
Spritz with apple juice or water if drumsticks appear dry.

Flavoring Ideas for Grilled Drumsticks

Drumsticks benefit from extra flavoring before or during grilling. Consider these ideas:

Marinades

Soak drumsticks in marinades for added flavor and tenderness:

Greek yogurt marinade – yogurt tenderizes meat.
Buttermilk marinade – makes drumsticks extra juicy.
Italian dressing, citrus, or wine based marinades.

Marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight.

Rubs and Spices

Coat drumsticks with dry spice rubs before grilling:

Barbecue rub – paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic.
Jerk seasoning – thyme, allspice, brown sugar.
Lemon pepper – lemon zest, cracked black pepper.
Cajun seasoning – garlic, onion, cayenne pepper.

Sauces and Glazes

Barbecue sauce – thickly brush on near the end of grilling time.
Teriyaki or soy sauce – brush on as a glaze.
Honey mustard – thinly brush on as a glaze during last few minutes.
Compound butter – mix in herbs and brush over when nearly finished.

Step-By-Step Guide for Grilling Chicken Drumsticks

Follow this simple process for perfectly cooked barbecued drumsticks:

1. Prepare the Drumsticks

Trim excess skin/fat to prevent flare-ups.
Pat dry drumsticks with paper towels.
Season with dry rubs or marinate if desired.

2. Preheat Grill

Heat grill to high heat (500°F-550°F) for searing.
Leave one side with no coals for indirect cooking.

3. Sear the Drumsticks

Place drumsticks skin-side down first over direct high heat.
Sear for 6-8 minutes until skin browns and crisps.

4. Finish Cooking Indirectly

Move drumsticks to indirect heat, keeping skin-side up.
Cook over medium heat (350°F- 375°F) until done.
Maintain grill lid closed as much as possible.

5. Brush with Sauce or Glaze

During last 5-10 minutes of grilling, brush with barbecue sauce, honey mustard or other glaze.

6. Test Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F-175°F.
Meat should be white throughout when cut into, not pink.

7. Allow to Rest

Let drumsticks rest 5 minutes before serving.
This allows juices to redistribute for tender meat.

8. Enjoy Juicy, Flavorful Drumsticks!

Follow these straightforward steps for foolproof, juicy grilled drumsticks every time. Adjust marinades and glazes to suit different tastes.

Common Questions About Grilling Chicken Drumsticks

Still have some questions about grilling up perfect drumsticks? These answers should help:

Should the Skin be Crispy?

Yes, the ideal BBQ drumstick has skin that’s browned and crisped from the grill. The high heat renders the fat, making the skin nicely crispy.

Can You Grill Frozen Drumsticks?

It’s best to thaw drumsticks before grilling for food safety and even cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.

Should You Grill Drumsticks Over Charcoal or Gas?

Either works well, though charcoal adds a nice smoky flavor. With gas, add some hardwood chips for smoke. Maintain consistent heat either way.

Can You Grill Drumsticks from Raw?

Yes, grilling raw drumsticks works well. Always cook to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Marinating raw drumsticks adds extra tenderness.

Should the Meat Fall Off the Bone?

The meat should come cleanly off the bone but not fall off on its own. If it falls off too easily, it’s likely overdone.

How Long Do Grilled Drumsticks Last?

Cooked drumsticks last 3-4 days refrigerated. Slice meat from the bones and store in an airtight container. Reheat gently before serving again.

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So in summary, for perfectly grilled BBQ drumsticks:

Grill for 6-8 minutes per side over direct high heat to sear
Finish cooking over indirect medium heat until 165°F-175°F internal temperature
Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving
Use rubs, marinades and glazes for extra flavor
Keep the grill lid closed and use indirect heat to prevent drying out

Follow these simple steps for finger-licking grilled chicken drumsticks every time! Adjust cook times as needed for larger drumsticks and boneless varieties.

How Long to BBQ Drumsticks