Not only are drumsticks inexpensive and easy to source, but you only need a handful of pantry ingredients and 5 minutes of prep to make perfectly grilled drumsticks every time. It is as easy as it gets! Prepare the marinade, toss the chicken in it to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, then throw the drumsticks on the grill.
Ingredients
Chicken drumsticks: You need medium bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks (aka chicken legs). Try to use ones of a similar size; otherwise, the grilling time for each will vary. Oil: I used olive oil this time, but I also love using avocado oil. Garlic: I love using garlic cloves when possible, but garlic powder works too. Sweet paprika: Or smoked paprika to enhance the smoky profile further. Chili powder: (Optional) or cayenne pepper/red pepper flakes for some heat. Sea salt & black pepper: Use soy sauce instead for extra umami. Lemon: I use a combination of lemon juice and zest for the best flavor and some brightening, tenderizing action in the marinade.
How to grill chicken drumsticks
How can you tell if grilled drumsticks are cooked?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat (avoid bones). For chicken drumsticks, the internal temperature should reach 185ºF/85ºC. Note that although it’s safe to eat at 165ºF, like most chicken, chicken drumsticks are even better at 180-185ºF, producing tender meat with zero stringiness. Leave to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature. Or for even more flavor, marinate it for up to 12 hours (in the refrigerator). Bring it back to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. Once ready, remove the marinated chicken drumsticks from the marinade, shaking off any excess (to avoid grill flare-ups), and place them (with tongs) in a single layer, skin-side down, on the grill. Grill them for 25-30 minutes, flipping every 5-7 minutes for even cooking. Note that the exact grilling time will vary based on their size and the exact grill temperature. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, pierce the meat near the bone. It should be knife-tender with no pinkness in the meat, and any juices that run should be clear. Once you remove the chicken from the grill, allow it to rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and settle, then serve and enjoy!
Top grilling tips
Leave them to marinate: Marinating the drumsticks helps tenderize the meat and adds heaps of flavor. Use room temperature chicken: After marinating, bring the chicken back to room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking. To avoid grill sticking: First, clean the grates well to remove any residue. Then, oil the grates with an oil-dipped paper towel and/or a cut onion. For even grilling: Flip the chicken drumsticks every 5-7 minutes, so they’re evenly cooked and browned all over. Ensure they’re perfectly cooked: It’s best to use a meat thermometer, avoiding bones, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 185ºF/85ºC. If there are grill flare-ups: Move the chicken immediately to avoid overly charring it or the flavor being affected. Leave them to rest: Leave them 5 minutes for the juices to settle and redistribute for the juiciest grilled drumsticks.
What to serve with grilled chicken drumsticks
Grilled vegetables: Buttery grilled corn on the cob, grilled broccoli. Salads: grain salads, leafy green salads, or side salads like coleslaw. Grains: Serve the grilled chicken drumsticks over a bed of rice or quinoa.
More easy chicken recipes
Crock Pot Chicken Thighs Crock Pot Chicken Drumsticks Chicken Quarters Roasted Turkey Legs
If you try this grilled chicken drumsticks recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
