The Perfect Bbq Chicken Drumsticks: A Tasty Guide

Chicken drumsticks are a great dish to serve at a barbecue. They're cost-effective, easy to make, and are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. The key to cooking chicken drumsticks is to avoid burning the skin and ensure they are cooked through. You can cook them on a barbecue or in the oven, and there are a variety of rubs and sauces you can use to add flavour.

How to prepare chicken drumsticks for grilling

Ingredients and Equipment

To prepare chicken drumsticks for grilling, you will need:

• Chicken drumsticks
• Olive oil or another oil of your choice
• BBQ sauce
• Spices and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chilli powder
• A grill
• A meat thermometer
• Paper towels
• A zip-top bag or plastic container
• Parchment paper or aluminium foil

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Drumsticks

Before adding any seasonings, it is important to prepare the chicken drumsticks. Use paper towels to pat each drumstick dry and ensure that there is no excess liquid. You can also trim any loose parts in the joint area and remove any excess skin.

Step 2: Create a Spice Rub or Marinade

In a small dish, mix together your chosen spices and seasonings. You can use a basic combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or create your own spice rub with additional spices such as onion powder, smoked paprika, and chilli powder. If you prefer a marinade, mix together ingredients such as apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic cloves, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.

Step 3: Season the Chicken Drumsticks

Now it's time to season the chicken! You can either drizzle the chicken drumsticks with oil and then coat them with the spice rub, or place them in a zip-top bag with the oil and spices and shake until they are evenly coated. If you are using a marinade, place the chicken drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours.

Step 4: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat of around 400°F (204°C). If you are using a charcoal grill, create two zones by preparing the charcoal on one side of the grill only. This will allow you to adjust the heat as needed during cooking.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken Drumsticks

Place the chicken drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the skin is browned and crispy. If using a charcoal grill, start by cooking the chicken directly over the heat source, then move the pieces away from the direct heat to finish cooking. Continue grilling until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (~74°C), which is the safe cooking temperature.

Step 6: Add BBQ Sauce and Finish Grilling

Once the chicken is cooked through, brush each piece with BBQ sauce. Return the drumsticks to the grill and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes over low, gentle heat until they are golden all over.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

The best grill temperature for chicken drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a great choice for a barbecue, being a crowd-pleaser for both young and old. They are also a cost-effective option and lend themselves to a variety of spices and sauces.

The most common mistake when barbecuing chicken drumsticks is putting them on the grill when the temperature is too high. This will burn the skin and you will probably end up taking them off before they are cooked through, which is a food safety hazard.

The ideal grill temperature for chicken drumsticks is around 150°C (302°F). You can cook them on a higher temperature, but you will need to be careful and turn them regularly to avoid burning.

Gas Grill

For a gas grill, preheat to a medium-high heat of around 400°F (204°C). Place the chicken drumsticks on the grill and cook for about five minutes on each side, or until the skin is browned and crispy. Turn the heat down to around 300°F (149°C) and cook for about another 25 minutes, turning once halfway through.

Charcoal Grill

For a charcoal grill, create two zones by banking the charcoal on one side of the grill only. Start by cooking the chicken directly over the heat source, turning until browned all over. Then move the chicken away from the direct heat source to finish cooking.

Checking they are cooked

Always check that the chicken is cooked through. The recommended internal temperature for chicken drumsticks is 74-75°C (165-170°F). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If you don't have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the drumstick with a skewer or knife; if the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked.

Sauces and marinades

It is best to add any sauces, marinades or dry rubs towards the end of the cooking time, or after cooking. If you add them at the beginning, they will likely burn.

Other cooking methods

If you don't have a barbecue, or the weather is uncooperative, you can also cook chicken drumsticks in the oven or in an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 204°C (400°F) and cook the drumsticks for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. For an air fryer, preheat to 204°C (400°F) and cook for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through.

How long to grill chicken drumsticks for

Grilled chicken drumsticks are a delicious, easy-to-make, and cost-effective dish that can be served at any barbecue or cookout. The key to grilling chicken drumsticks is to cook them on a medium heat, so they are succulent and juicy on the inside with a lovely crisp skin on the outside.

The total cooking time for chicken drumsticks will depend on the grill's surface temperature and the size of the drumsticks. On a medium-high grill surface temperature of 450°, it will take around 30-35 minutes to reach the ideal internal temperature of 185°F.

If you are using a charcoal grill, you will need to adjust the vent settings to control the oxygen and maintain a medium heat. For a gas grill, a temperature of around 400°F is ideal.

It is important to note that the chicken should be cooked to a final internal temperature of 185°F, rather than relying solely on time. A meat thermometer should be used to check this, inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick.

Step-by-step guide to grilling chicken drumsticks

First, prepare the chicken drumsticks by trimming any loose parts in the joint area and excess skin. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or a seasoning of your choice.

Preheat your grill to a surface temperature of about 450°. Place the chicken drumsticks over direct heat with the lid closed and flip them every 5 minutes. Continue this process until the internal temperature reaches 185°F.

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the drumsticks from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for grilling chicken drumsticks

• Do not rinse the chicken before cooking, as this is unsafe.
• Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before grilling to help achieve the ideal internal temperature without burning the skin.
• Do not press down on the chicken with grilling tools, as this will not make it cook any faster and will only press out moisture.
• Always oil your grill before cooking to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy chicken skin.
• If using a marinade, the chicken should be left to marinate for at least 2 hours, and up to 12 hours for the best results.
• If using a BBQ sauce, it should be applied towards the end of cooking to prevent it from burning.

How to spice chicken drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be spiced in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to spice chicken drumsticks:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This will help the spices adhere better to the chicken. You can also choose to remove the skin from the chicken, but this is optional as the skin can add flavour and crispiness.

Step 2: Make the Spice Rub

The spice rub is key to adding flavour to your chicken drumsticks. You can use a variety of spices such as smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, ground coriander, cumin, and salt. Simply mix these spices together in a small bowl to create your custom spice blend. You can also add olive oil or avocado oil to the spice blend to create a paste that will be easier to coat the chicken with.

Step 3: Apply the Spice Rub

Once you have prepared your spice rub, it's time to apply it to the chicken. Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Pour the spice blend over the chicken and use your hands or a pastry brush to coat the chicken evenly on all sides. Make sure to get the spice blend into all the crevices of the chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

There are several ways you can cook your spiced chicken drumsticks:

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-45 minutes, checking halfway through and covering loosely with foil if the chicken is browning too quickly.
• Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Place the chicken drumsticks on the grill and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until the skin is browned and crispy. Lower the heat to 300°F and cook for an additional 25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly spray the basket with oil. Place the chicken drumsticks inside, leaving a little space between each one. Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Add Sauce (Optional)

If you want to add a sauce to your chicken drumsticks, it's best to do so towards the end of cooking or after they are cooked. Adding sauce too early can cause it to burn. You can brush the sauce directly onto the chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your spiced chicken drumsticks are now ready to be served! You can pair them with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or potatoes. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a tasty snack or main course.

How to finish chicken drumsticks after grilling

Grilled chicken drumsticks are a delicious and easy meal to make for the family. Here is a guide on how to finish chicken drumsticks after grilling:

Rest the Meat

Remove the chicken drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is tender and juicy.

Sauce the Chicken

After removing the chicken from the grill, brush each piece with your favourite BBQ sauce. This will give the chicken a beautiful, sticky glaze and an extra flavour boost. You can also add the sauce partway through the grilling process, about 5-10 minutes before the chicken is done.

Check the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat. This is the minimum safe temperature for cooked chicken. For a more tender result, aim for 185°F.

Serve with Sides

Grilled chicken drumsticks go well with a variety of sides, such as potato salad, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or fries. Don't forget the pickles!

Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken drumsticks, let them cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in the oven until the skin crisps up and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Frequently asked questions