One of my favorite cuts of chicken is grilled chicken drumsticks, drenched in sweet, sticky BBQ sauce. (As my two-year-old would say, "I LIKE it!" 😊)
If you're like me and have tried to grill out and are discouraged because your drumsticks didn't turn out juicy, the secrets I'm going to share with you will get you excited to get back out there and try again!
The good news is that drumsticks are one of the easiest cuts of chicken to grill well.
They're affordable, flavorful, and much more forgiving than chicken breasts.
And once you know how to follow these simple steps, juicy drumsticks become almost foolproof.
3 Secrets to Juicy Drumsticks
Here are three things that make the biggest difference in how your drumsticks turn out:
1. Dry the Skin First
Before seasoning, pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the skin brown and crisp up on the grill instead of steaming.
It's one of those little details that makes a surprisingly big difference.
2. Start Hot, Then Finish Low
Most people think chicken should stay over high heat the whole time. That's usually how you end up with burnt skin and undercooked meat.
Instead, start by browning the drumsticks over medium-high heat. Turn them every few minutes until the skin develops good color and starts to crisp. Then lower the heat and let them finish cooking more slowly.
This gives you the best of both worlds:
- Crispy skin
- Juicy meat
- Fully cooked chicken
3. Use a Thermometer
The fastest way to ruin chicken is guessing. A simple meat thermometer removes all the uncertainty.
Chicken is safe at 165°F, but drumsticks actually become more tender when cooked a little higher. Pull them off the grill when they reach 175–185°F.
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
This is a simple recipe that's easy enough for a weeknight but good enough for a summer cookout.
Let me take the stress out of your backyard BBQ party. Click HERE to buy a party sized pack of pasture raised chicken drumsticks.
Ingredients:
Chicken
- 2 pounds pastured chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
BBQ Spice Blend
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Step 1: Mix the Seasoning
Combine all the spices in a small bowl and stir well.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle with olive oil and coat evenly with the spice blend.
- Make sure every piece is well seasoned.
Tip: If you'd like to prepare ahead, you can season the chicken and let it marinate in the fridge for up to 18 hours before grilling.
Step 3: Grill Over Medium-High Heat
- Preheat your grill to about 400°F.
- Place the drumsticks on clean, lightly oiled grates.
- Turn every few minutes until all sides are browned and the skin begins to crisp.
Step 4: Reduce the Heat
- Lower the grill temperature to about 300°F and close the lid.
- Cook for approximately 25 minutes, turning the drumsticks once halfway through.
- If you're using charcoal, move the drumsticks to the cooler side of the grill and cook indirectly during this stage.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
- Brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce during the final few minutes of cooking.
Adding sauce too early can cause it to burn.
Step 6: Check Temperature and Serve
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken has reached 175 - 185°F.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
A Few Extra Tips
- Clean and oil your grill grates before cooking.
- Turn drumsticks regularly while browning for even color.
- Don't rush the lower-temperature cooking stage.
- Save the BBQ sauce for the end.
- Use a thermometer every time.
Simple Summer Food
One of the things I love most about drumsticks is that they don't require much effort.
All it takes is a few seasonings, a hot grill, and a little patience.
When you're serving our premium pasture-raised chicken drumsticks, it takes very little effort to put a meal on the table that everyone is excited to eat.
And I know that for a lot of you, simplicity MATTERS.
And when you're starting with good chicken, the results only get better.
Click HERE to get in on local pasture-raised chicken drumsticks!
Your farmer,
Austin 😊
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