These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are a delicious and easy dish perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners. Marinated in a flavorful barbecue sauce, they are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients. You can customize the barbecue sauce to your liking or use store-bought for convenience.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: A Summer Favorite
Grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are a staple for summer gatherings, bringing a delightful combination of smoky and sweet flavors to any cookout.
With their juicy interiors and crispy exteriors, these drumsticks are sure to impress your guests.
The vibrant glaze of barbecue sauce adds a mouthwatering appeal, making them irresistible.
Preparation and Marination
To achieve the best flavor, marinating the chicken is essential.
A simple blend of barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika creates a rich marinade that seeps into the meat.
Allowing the drumsticks to soak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes enhances their taste, but for those who have time, marinating for up to four hours is even better.
Grilling Techniques
Once marinated, the next step is grilling.
Preheating the grill to medium-high heat ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful char.
Cooking the drumsticks for about 25-30 minutes, while turning them occasionally, allows for that perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness.
Finishing Touches
For an extra layer of flavor, basting the drumsticks with additional barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling is a fantastic technique.
This not only enhances the taste but also gives the chicken a glossy finish that looks appealing on the plate.
Once grilled to perfection, let the drumsticks rest briefly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Presenting these drumsticks is just as important as preparing them.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing them with sides like coleslaw and corn on the cob creates a well-rounded meal that captures the essence of summer.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks offers a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients.
With approximately 250 calories per serving, they provide a good source of protein while keeping the fat content reasonable.
This makes them a great option for a hearty yet healthy meal.
Easy Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These chicken drumsticks are marinated and grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky, sweet flavor. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Marinade: In a bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F).
- Grill the Drumsticks: Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and place them on the grill. Cook for about 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Baste with Sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush additional barbecue sauce on the drumsticks for extra flavor.
- Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4 drumsticks
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 8g