This content originally appeared here. Republished with permission.
These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are out of this world! They’re easy to make and jam full of bbq flavor, plus super juicy and perfectly sticky. Make them on a busy weeknight or to your next backyard bbq or cookout. And guess what? They’re Whole30 compatible and Keto friendly!
Why we love this recipe
Call me a grillin’ idiot, but this week alone I’ve grilled pork kebabs, rack of lamb, and bruschetta chicken. I’m unsure if it’s obvious enough, but are you able to tell I’m enthusiastic about grilling season?
On this recipe, the drumsticks (also often known as chicken legs) are generously seasoned with an awesome sugar-free bbq seasoning mix, then grilled to crispy, juicy perfection.
Last, they’re brushed with bbq in order that they get that stunning, sticky, glazed deliciousness. It truly doesn’t improve than this!
Now take into accout there are some essential suggestions & tricks while you learn find out how to cook chicken drumsticks on the grill. I’ll walk you thru all of it, but in the event you’d reasonably cook your chicken within the oven or air fryer, I’ve got you! Just see the adaptations below.
It’s possible you’ll also like: BBQ Chicken & Ranch Sliders, Shredded BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
Ingredients list
- Chicken Drumsticks
- Olive Oil
- BBQ Sauce. Make your individual homemade bbq sauce, or any store-bought Whole30 compatible BBQ Sauce. To maintain this recipe Keto/Low Carb, select a sugar free BBQ sauce.
- BBQ Spice Mix: Smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, onion powder and cayenne pepper (optional).
Step-by-step instructions
Prep the Chicken
Add the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to a small dish and blend them along with a spoon. Depending on how spicy you want your food, you can too add slightly cayenne pepper to the combination.
Whenever you open a package of chicken, it’ll probably be slightly (or lots) juicy. Take a couple of paper towels or napkins and pat each piece of chicken until they’re dry on all sides.
Next, drizzle the chicken with the oil and the spice mix. Mix it up well until all sides of the chicken are evenly coated. I exploit my hands, and yes, it gets slightly messy.
Alternately, you’ll be able to add the chicken, oil, and seasonings to a zip top bag and blend it well. It will coat the chicken without getting your hands dirty.
You’ll be able to do that as much as 18 hours upfront! Just cover and keep refrigerated until you’re able to cook.
Cook the Chicken
Gas Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Add the chicken drumsticks and cook for about five minutes per side, until the skin is browned and crispy on all sides. Lower the warmth to about 300°F, and shut the grill. Cook for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
Cooking on a Charcoal Grill: Create two zones by preparing the charcoal on one side of the grill only. Start by cooking the chicken directly on top of the warmth source, then once the chicken is browned on all sides, move the pieces away from the warmth source to complete cooking.
Remember! All the time cook chicken to 165°F (~74°C), per USDA. Use a meat thermometer to check the interior temperature on the thickest a part of the meat, without touching the thermometer to the bone.
Variations
Weather not cooperating? Out of propane? Or would you simply prefer to cook inside? I’ve got you covered with these easy method adaptations!
Air Fryer Adaptation: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Evenly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then set the chicken drumsticks inside, with slightly space between every one. Depending on the scale of your basket, chances are you’ll have to cook it in two or three batches. Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ascertain the interior temperature has reached at the least 165°F (~74°C), per USDA.
Oven Adaptation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (~204°C). Set the chicken on a parchment or foil lined baking sheet. Cook 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ascertain the interior temperature has reached 165°F (~74°C), per USDA.
Suggestions & FAQ
1. Ensure you utilize a clean, well-oiled grill.
2. Don’t attempt to force the chicken to show too early. Every bit should easily release from the grill once it’s able to be turned.
3. Don’t press down the chicken together with your grilling tools. It doesn’t make the meat cook any faster, and it would press out a number of the moisture.
Alright, time to fireplace up the grill and get cooking! For those who make this recipe, I’d love to listen to about it! Drop a star rating below, or tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom.
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
This Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe is straightforward to make, plus jam full of bbq flavor, and super juicy with absolutely perfect caramelization. Make them on a busy weeknight or to your next backyard bbq or cookout.
Ingredients
Chicken Drumsticks
-
2
lb.
chicken drumsticks
legs -
1/2
cup
bbq sauce
select a bbq sauce that aligns together with your dietary restrictions. -
2
Tablespoons
olive oil
BBQ Spice Mix
-
3/4
teaspoon
chili powder -
1/2
teaspoon
salt -
1/2
teaspoon
pepper -
1/2
teaspoon
garlic powder -
1/2
teaspoon
smoked paprika -
1/4
teaspoon
onion powder -
1/4
teaspoon
cayenne pepper
optional
Instructions
-
Make the bbq seasoning spice mix by measuring out the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne powder (if using), and adding each to a small dish. Stir with a spoon.
-
Pat each chicken drumstick with a couple of paper towels to totally dry the skin. Drizzle the chicken with oil and season with the spice mix. Mix well to coat every bit of chicken thoroughly.
-
Gas grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Add the chicken drumsticks to wash, well-oiled grates, and cook. Turn every bit after a couple of minutes, until the skin is browned and crispy on all sides.
-
Lower the warmth to medium low (about 300°F), and shut the grill. Cook for about 25 minutes, stopping halfway through to show the chicken once.
-
Charcoal grill: Create two heat zones (one with medium high heat and one with medium-low heat) by moving many of the charcoal to 1 side of the grill.
-
Begin by placing the pieces of chicken directly over the warmth source, turning every couple of minutes because the skin browns.
-
Once the skin is browned and crispy, move the chicken away from the warmth source, to the indirect (medium-low) heat zone. Cover and cook for about 25 more minutes, stopping halfway through to show the chicken.
-
Last, brush every bit of chicken with the bbq sauce.
-
Check the interior temperature to make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (~74°C), then serve immediately!
Recipe Notes
To arrange upfront: Mix the chicken, oil, and spices. Cover with plastic wrap and transfer to an airtight container, and store the chicken within the refrigerator for as much as 18 hours, until you’re able to cook it.
Air Fryer Adaptation: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Evenly spray the air fryer basket with oil, then set the chicken drumsticks inside, with slightly space between every one. Depending on the scale of your basket, chances are you’ll have to cook it in two or three batches. Cook for 18-22 minutes, turning once halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ascertain the interior temperature has reached at the least 165°F (~74°C), per USDA.
Oven Adaptation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (~204°C). Set the chicken on a parchment or foil lined baking sheet. Cook 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ascertain the interior temperature has reached 165°F (~74°C), per USDA.
Nutrition Facts
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Amount Per Serving (4 g)
Calories 127
Calories from Fat 63
% Each day Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 665mg29%
Potassium 106mg3%
Carbohydrates 15g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 12g13%
Protein 1g2%
Calcium 15mg2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Vitamin A 368IU7%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Each day Values are based on a 2000 calorie food regimen.
Please note that the dietary information may vary depending
on the precise brands of products used. We encourage everyone to ascertain specific
product labels in calculating the precise dietary information.