Sticky, smoky, and perfectly charred—these classic BBQ drumsticks are made for grilling season.
Few things say “summer cookout” like a platter of saucy, charred BBQ Chicken Drumsticks fresh off the grill. Juicy on the inside, crispy on the edges, and slathered in your favorite barbecue sauce, they’re a must-have for Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or any weekend cookout.
This recipe keeps it simple: season, grill, sauce, and repeat. The trick is to build layers of flavor by brushing the drumsticks with BBQ sauce toward the end of grilling. That way, the sauce caramelizes without burning—and you get that perfect sticky, finger-licking finish.
Quick Look:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Serves: 4–6
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 10–12 pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish
How to Make It:
- Preheat the grill:
Heat your grill to medium (about 375–400°F). If you’re using charcoal, arrange the coals for indirect heat so you can cook the chicken low and slow before finishing over direct heat. - Prep the chicken:
Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. - Start grilling:
Place the drumsticks on the grill over indirect heat. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches about 160°F. - Add the BBQ sauce:
Move the drumsticks over to direct heat. Brush generously with BBQ sauce and grill for another 8–10 minutes, turning and brushing with more sauce every few minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning. - Finish and serve:
Once the chicken reaches 175°F and the sauce is thick and caramelized, transfer to a serving platter. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic coleslaw or potato salad
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Baked beans or mac and cheese
- Watermelon wedges or fruit salad
Tips and Variations:
- Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce—sweet, spicy, smoky, or tangy all work!
- Want to bake instead of grill? Roast at 425°F for 35–40 minutes, brushing with sauce during the last 10 minutes.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub for a little extra heat.
These BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are everything you want in a cookout classic—juicy, smoky, sticky, and bold. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just firing up the grill for family dinner, this is a recipe you’ll make on repeat all summer long.
