Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
This post may contain affiliate links.
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are the answer to every “what’s for dinner?” panic that hits around 4 p.m. Juicy, smoky, and ridiculously easy to make, this recipe turns basic chicken into backyard gold. No fancy marinade, no fussy steps—just finger-lickin’ flavor with a side of “why didn’t I make this sooner?”
Searching for some drool worthy sides? Try serving this chicken with my Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese or Ranch Pasta Salad!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly Grilled Chicken: Even picky eaters love the crispy skin and saucy flavor.
- Backyard BBQ Ideas: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with all your summer sides.
- Meal Prep Chicken Recipes: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Simple Summer Grilling Recipe: Minimal ingredients and big flavor make this a summer staple.
These BBQ chicken legs are everything you want in a grilled chicken recipe—crispy skin, juicy meat, and a sticky layer of barbecue sauce that caramelizes to perfection. With just a few pantry staples and a hot grill, you’ve got a meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but worthy of any backyard cookout.
What I love most? They’re super forgiving. Whether you’re using a gas grill, charcoal, or even a smoker, these bbq chicken drumsticks turn out delicious every time. Serve them with your favorite sides and get ready for zero leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these juicy BBQ drumsticks, and chances are, most of them are already in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to fire up some serious flavor:
- Chicken legs – Look for skin-on drumsticks for that crispy, golden outside and juicy inside.
- Oil – A little goes a long way. Brushing on oil helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken from drying out on the grill.
- Chicken seasoning or rub – Use your favorite store-bought blend or mix your own with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bonus points for one with a little kick.
- BBQ sauce – Go classic, spicy, or sweet—whatever your tastebuds are into. Slather it on in the last few minutes of grilling for that sticky, caramelized goodness.
That’s it! Simple ingredients, bold flavor. These bbq drumsticks prove you don’t need a mile-long grocery list to crush dinnertime.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
These drumsticks are chef’s kiss the perfect combo of smoky, juicy, and saucy. I’ve made them more times than I can count, and they never last long—my family devours them straight off the grill. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to win dinner on a weeknight, this recipe is a total go-to.
Tip from Jesseca:
For that extra sticky-sweet glaze, brush on a second layer of BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes of grilling and let it caramelize. Game-changer.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to shake things up with your chicken legs on grill? Here are a few easy swaps and fun twists to keep things interesting:
- No drumsticks? Chicken thighs or bone-in breasts work too—just adjust the cook time accordingly.
- Out of BBQ sauce? Try buffalo, teriyaki, or even a honey mustard glaze for a flavor flip.
- DIY seasoning: No rub on hand? Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. Boom—instant flavor boost.
- Oven or air fryer option: No grill? No problem. Roast them at 400°F or toss them in the air fryer for crispiness without the flames.
BBQ drumsticks are super forgiving, so feel free to get creative with sauces, spices, and cooking methods. The goal? Crispy skin, juicy chicken, and big flavor—however you get there.
Step by Step Instructions
This grilled chicken legs recipe is easier than you think—and totally worth it for that crispy, saucy finish. Here’s a quick breakdown of how it’s done:
- Prep the Chicken: Trim any loose skin and pat the drumsticks dry.
- Season: Rub with oil and coat with your favorite chicken seasoning.
- Let Rest: Let them hang out at room temp while the grill heats.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill over medium-high heat, turning every 5 minutes, until they hit 165°F.
- Add Sauce: Brush with BBQ sauce and cook until they reach 175°F for fall-off-the-bone perfection.
- Rest and Serve: Let them rest before digging in.
Smoking instead? Preheat your smoker to 275°F. Cook the drumsticks for 30 minutes, flip, and cook 10 more minutes. Brush with BBQ sauce and keep cooking until they reach 175°F. Rest, then serve.
No matter how you cook them, these BBQ drumsticks come out smoky, juicy, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Bbq chicken legs on grill are just as good the next day—maybe even better. Here’s how to keep that flavor going:
Make-Ahead: You can season the drumsticks up to 24 hours in advance. Just rub them with oil and your favorite seasoning, then store them covered in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature before grilling for best results.
Storage: Leftover drumsticks? Cool them completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Pop them in a 350°F oven or air fryer until warmed through (about 10–15 minutes). Add a little extra BBQ sauce to bring them back to life.
These also freeze well—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner win!
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush on BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes and finish under the broiler for that sticky, caramelized finish.
165°F is the safe minimum, but for super tender, fall-off-the-bone drumsticks, aim for 175°F. The extra time helps break down tough connective tissue.
Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled before adding the chicken. Let the drumsticks cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping—they’ll naturally release when ready.
You’ll need to thaw them completely first for even cooking and proper seasoning. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Poke near the bone—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink near the center, they’re likely good to go. But a thermometer is a worthy investment for peace of mind.
Totally up to you! Sweet, spicy, smoky—it’s all fair game. Just make sure to wait until the end to brush it on to avoid burning.
Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Ingredients
- 10 chicken legs (drumsticks)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3-4 tablespoons chicken rub or seasoning
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Trim off any loose skin from the drumsticks. Pat each one dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick and ensure crispy skin.
- Rub the drumsticks lightly with oil, then sprinkle generously with your favorite chicken seasoning or rub.
- Allow the seasoned drumsticks to rest at room temperature while you heat the grill or smoker. This helps them cook more evenly.
For Gas or Charcoal Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375–400°F). If using charcoal, let the coals burn down until covered in white ash.
- Place the drumsticks directly on the grill grates. Cook for 18–20 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to prevent burning and to get even grill marks.
- Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F, brush the drumsticks with BBQ sauce. Continue cooking for 5–7 more minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 175°F.
- Remove from the grill and let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For Smoker
- Set your smoker to 275°F and let it preheat for about 15 minutes with the lid closed.
- Place drumsticks directly onto the grates. Cook for 30 minutes, flip, and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Once the chicken reaches 165°F, brush on BBQ sauce if desired. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
- Let the smoked drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry helps give you that nice crispy skin.
- The best way to not overcook your chicken is to check it with a meat thermometer.
- Try different sauces and different rubs to give your chicken a twist in flavor.
- Serve with a side of bbq sauce!
Equipment
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
More Summer Grilling Recipes
- Flavor Packed Margarita Chicken
- Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
- Stuffed Jalapeno Popper Burgers
- Traeger Jalapeno Poppers
- Inside Out Burgers
- Grilled Hatch Chile Burgers
