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A plate of pieces of grilled chicken drumsticks topped with chopped parsley beside a lemon.

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Chef Jenn
These Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are juicy, smoky, and easy to make with simple seasonings and a sticky BBQ finish. A dependable grilling recipe for cookouts, weeknights, and meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 278 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or any high-heat oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • BBQ sauce for brushing after cooking

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the grill with a hot zone and a cool zone.
  • Pat the drumsticks dry and coat them with the avocado oil.
  • Mix the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme, then rub the seasoning all over the drumsticks.
  • Place the drumsticks in the cool zone, close the lid, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Turn the drumsticks and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes with the lid closed.
  • Move the drumsticks to the hot zone and cook for 3 to 5 minutes to char and finish cooking.
  • Brush lightly with BBQ sauce and grill for 1 to 2 minutes to set the glaze.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Recipe Notes

  • A digital meat thermometer is the easiest way to know when drumsticks are done. You’re looking for at least 165°F in the thickest part for tender, juicy dark meat.
  • Cooking on the cool side first gives the chicken time to cook through before it gets color.
  • Don’t sauce too early. BBQ sauce burns fast because of the sugar.
  • If the drumsticks are especially large, give them a few extra minutes on the indirect side before moving them over the hot zone.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 2drumsticksCalories: 278kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 27gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 740mgPotassium: 366mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 322IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 1mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword easy grilling recipe, grilled chicken, Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
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