Perfectly Grilled Bbq Chicken Drums: Timing And Techniques

BBQ chicken drumsticks are a tasty, juicy treat that can be cooked in the oven or on the grill. They're a great option for a busy weeknight or a backyard barbecue. But how long do they take to cook?

When grilling, the drumsticks should be cooked for around 30-35 minutes over direct heat, and then an additional 5-10 minutes over indirect heat to set the BBQ sauce. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F, and ideally 175 degrees F for the meat to fall off the bone.

In the oven, the drumsticks will take around 40-50 minutes to bake at 350-400 degrees F. You'll know they're done when the juices run clear and a thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165 degrees F.

So, whether you're firing up the grill or heating the oven, you can expect to wait around 40-50 minutes to enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks.

BBQ chicken drumsticks can be grilled or baked

BBQ chicken drumsticks are a delicious treat, whether grilled or baked. They are a great option for feeding a crowd and can be made with just a handful of simple ingredients. Here is a guide on how to cook them to perfection.

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled chicken drumsticks are a fantastic option for a summer barbecue. They are quick and easy to make, and the grill gives them a lovely charred flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare your grill by cleaning, oiling, and preheating it to a surface temperature of about 450°F.
• Trim any excess skin and loose bones or tissue from the chicken drumsticks, especially in the joint area.
• Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and allow them to come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes, if time allows.
• Season the drumsticks with your choice of spices or a dry rub. A simple combination of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder works well, or you can get creative with your own blend.
• Place the drumsticks over direct heat and close the grill lid.
• Grill the drumsticks for 30-35 minutes, flipping them every 5 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 185°F.
• For the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the drumsticks with your favourite BBQ sauce.
• Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Baked BBQ chicken drumsticks are a great option if you don't have access to a grill or prefer to cook indoors. They are just as tasty as their grilled counterparts and can be made with similar ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Start by making your barbecue sauce by combining ketchup, vinegar, water, brown sugar, butter, salt, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and chili powder in a bowl.
• Place your chicken drumsticks in a baking dish and coat them generously with the barbecue sauce.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminium foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 1 hour, turning the drumsticks halfway through.
• Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the skin to crisp up.
• The drumsticks are done when the juices run clear and they reach an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a digital thermometer.
• Serve the drumsticks hot, drizzled with additional barbecue sauce if desired.

Tips and Tricks

• Always cook chicken drumsticks to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the meat, without touching the bone.
• For grilled chicken drumsticks, oil the drumsticks and the grill grates to prevent sticking and promote crispy skin.
• When seasoning the drumsticks, avoid using a sugar-based rub if you are cooking over high heat, as the sugar can burn.
• Baked chicken drumsticks can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

They should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F

It is important to ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that chicken is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the temperature at which any harmful bacteria are killed, ensuring that the chicken is safe to eat.

You can check the internal temperature of your chicken using a meat thermometer. This should be inserted into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring that it does not touch the bone. If you are cooking a large batch of chicken drumsticks, it is worth checking the internal temperature of multiple pieces to ensure they have all reached the required temperature.

Once the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F, it is safe to remove it from the heat source and serve. However, if you are cooking chicken legs or thighs, you may want to cook them for slightly longer. This is because these cuts of meat contain more connective tissue, which begins to melt at 170°F and is mostly melted by 185°F. Cooking chicken legs and thighs to an internal temperature of 185°F will result in more tender and juicy meat.

It is important to note that the temperature of your grill or oven may affect the cooking time of your chicken drumsticks. A lower temperature will increase the cooking time, while a higher temperature may dry out the meat. Therefore, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of your chicken rather than relying solely on cooking time.

The cooking time will vary depending on the cooking method and size of the drumsticks

The cooking time for BBQ chicken drumsticks will vary depending on the cooking method and size of the drumsticks.

When cooking on a gas grill, drumsticks will need to be cooked for around 30-35 minutes, with the grill preheated to a medium-high heat of about 400°F (204°C). If you are using a charcoal grill, you will need to create two zones by preparing the charcoal on one side of the grill only. Start by cooking the chicken directly on top of the heat source, then once the chicken is browned on all sides, move the pieces away from the heat source to finish cooking.

If you are cooking your BBQ chicken drumsticks in the oven, you will need to bake them for around 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. The oven should be preheated to 400°F (204°C).

For air fryer chicken drumsticks, you will need to cook them for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through. The air fryer should be preheated to 400°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the specific cooking appliance being used. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

You can use a variety of seasonings and sauces to flavour the chicken

BBQ chicken drums are a great dish to experiment with different seasonings and sauces. You can use a variety of seasonings and sauces to flavour the chicken and create a unique and tasty dish. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Seasonings

• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• All-purpose seasoning (a mixture of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder)

Sauces

• BBQ sauce: You can make your own homemade BBQ sauce or use a store-bought variety. If you're looking for a sugar-free option, choose a Keto/Low Carb sauce.
• Ketchup
• Vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dry mustard

When seasoning your chicken drums, remember to pat them dry first with paper towels. This will help the seasonings stick to the chicken. You can then drizzle the chicken with oil and add your chosen seasonings. Mix well to ensure all sides of the chicken are evenly coated.

Once your chicken drums are cooked, you can brush them with your chosen sauce. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings and sauces to find your perfect flavour profile!

BBQ chicken drumsticks are a quick and easy meal that can be made in advance

Here's a simple recipe to guide you through the process of making juicy and tender BBQ chicken drumsticks. This recipe can be made in under an hour and only requires a few basic ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Chicken drumsticks (about 6-8 pieces)
• Your choice of seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, etc.)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken drumsticks by patting them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will ensure crispy skin.
• Brush the drumsticks with oil and season generously with your chosen spices. You can also rub the spices under the skin for extra flavour.
• If desired, you can marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 18 hours in advance. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat, resulting in more flavourful drumsticks.
• Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting, around 400°F to 450°F. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 350°F if you prefer baking.
• Place the chicken drumsticks on the grill, turning them every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to 185°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your drumsticks, but it typically takes around 30-45 minutes.
• For an extra flavour boost, brush the BBQ sauce onto the drumsticks during the last 10 minutes of grilling. This will give the sauce a chance to caramelize without burning.
• Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill or oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more juicy and tender.
• Serve the BBQ chicken drumsticks with your favourite sides, such as potato wedges, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing salad.

Tips:

• If using a charcoal grill, create two zones by preparing the charcoal on one side only. Start the chicken directly over the heat source, then move it away from the direct heat to finish cooking.
• For a healthier option, consider removing the skin from the drumsticks before cooking. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• When in doubt, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken. This ensures that your meal is safe to eat and cooked to your desired doneness.
• Get creative with your seasonings and sauces! Experiment with different rubs, spices, and BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavour combination.

With these simple steps, you can easily make juicy and flavourful BBQ chicken drumsticks that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or hosting a backyard barbecue, this dish is sure to be a hit!

Frequently asked questions