Is there anything more satisfying than the smell of barbecue wafting through the backyard on a warm evening? These Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are the answer to your busy weeknight prayers. They’re incredibly easy to throw together, budget-friendly, and a total crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Who says you need a special occasion to fire up the grill?
Why You’ll Love This
You’re going to adore this recipe because it checks all the boxes for easy weeknight dinners. It uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The hands-on time is minimal, letting the grill do most of the work while you relax. And the result? Juicy, flavorful chicken with that classic smoky char we all crave. So, so good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks (about 8-10): The star of our show!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and prevents sticking.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: For that essential smoky depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory flavor without the chopping.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A little kick of warmth.
- 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce: Use a store-bought jar to keep it super easy.
Let’s Get Cooking Step by Step
- Pat the chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels. This is the secret to getting a nice sear instead of steam.
- In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with the olive oil until they’re lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Use your hands to rub the seasoning all over every nook and cranny.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 375°F to 400°F. You want a nice, even heat for cooking through without burning.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning them every 5-7 minutes for even cooking.
- After 20-25 minutes, the chicken should be nearly cooked through. Now, brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce all over each drumstick.
- Continue grilling for another 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sauce is caramelized and sticky and the internal temperature of the chicken reads 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, it makes all the difference for juicy meat.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Tips
- Don’t sauce too early! Adding the BBQ sauce at the end prevents the sugars from burning and turning bitter.
- Get that grill nice and hot before you put the chicken on. A preheated grill gives you those beautiful grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer. It’s the only foolproof way to know your chicken is perfectly safe and juicy, not dry.
- Let it rest. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting the chicken sit for 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute.
- Honestly, if you’re worried about sticky cleanup, give the grates a quick brush right after you take the chicken off.
- No grill? No problem. Check out the variations section for oven and air fryer methods!
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a spicy kick, add a ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry rub. If you’re out of BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and a tablespoon of brown sugar makes a great quick substitute. For an oven method, bake the seasoned drumsticks on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 30 minutes, then brush with sauce and bake for another 10-15 minutes. For the air fryer, cook seasoned drumsticks at 380°F for 18-20 minutes, shaking halfway, then brush with sauce and air fry for another 3-5 minutes.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
These drumsticks are the ultimate main dish for all your dinner ideas. They pair beautifully with so many classic sides. For healthy dinner ideas, try a simple green salad or some grilled zucchini. For more hearty dinner dishes, you can’t go wrong with creamy coleslaw, classic potato salad, or buttery corn on the cob. And if you’re looking for cheap dinners for a family, serve them alongside a big bowl of pasta salad or some baked beans. Leftovers? Chop the meat and toss it into a pasta bake for a whole new set of pasta dinner recipes the next night.
Storage & Reheating
Let any leftover Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks cool completely before storing. They’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp the skin. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make the skin rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! The cooking time will be a bit shorter, so keep an eye on them and always check for that 165°F internal temperature. They make for another fantastic easy healthy dinner option. - Q: My family loves extra sauce. Can I add more?
A: Of course! I’m a big fan of extra sauce too. Just serve some warmed sauce on the side for dipping so you don’t risk it burning on the grill. - Q: How can I tell the chicken is done without a thermometer?
A: While I highly recommend a thermometer for accuracy, you can also pierce the thickest part of a drumstick. The juices should run completely clear, not pink. - Q: What are some other quick dinner ideas for the grill?
A: Grilled sausages, burgers, or even skewers with veggies and steak tips are all fantastic easy meals that get dinner on the table fast.
