Print

Flavorful BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

BBQ chicken drumsticks - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe featuring a perfectly balanced smoky, sweet, and tangy grilled glaze that locks in juicy tenderness and crispy skin.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8–10 chicken drumsticks, skin-on, bone-in
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the drumsticks with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated (5 minutes).
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and mustard powder until smooth (5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash (10-15 minutes).
  5. Place the drumsticks on the grill grate, skin side down. Grill for about 20 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes.
  6. During the last 10 minutes, brush the glaze generously on all sides every 3-4 minutes, allowing it to caramelize but not burn.
  7. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If unavailable, pierce with a fork to check that juices run clear.
  8. Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the glaze starts burning before the chicken is cooked through, move the drumsticks to a cooler part of the grill or tent with foil. Apply glaze in thin layers during the last 10 minutes for best caramelization. Let the drumsticks rest 5 minutes before serving to keep meat juicy. For oven baking, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, glazing every 10 minutes. To keep glaze spreadable, thin with a little water or vinegar if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, chicken drumsticks, grilled chicken, barbecue, smoky glaze, easy dinner, summer recipe

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/flavorful-bbq-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-perfect-grilled-glaze-guide/