Easy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks: A Flavor-Packed Recipe for Summer
Grilled chicken drumsticks are a classic summer favorite, and for good reason! They’re incredibly easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. This recipe takes the simplicity of grilled chicken drumsticks and elevates it with a delicious marinade that infuses the meat with a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or casual get-togethers, these grilled drumsticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy and Quick:** With minimal prep time and simple grilling instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful Marinade:** The marinade is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that penetrate deep into the chicken, ensuring every bite is delicious.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken drumsticks are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken, making this a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
* **Versatile:** Serve these drumsticks as a main course, appetizer, or as part of a larger grilling spread. They pair well with a variety of sides.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Chicken drumsticks are naturally fun to eat, making them a hit with kids of all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken Drumsticks:** About 2-3 pounds. Choose drumsticks that are similar in size for even cooking.
* **Olive Oil:** Provides moisture and helps the marinade adhere to the chicken.
* **Soy Sauce:** Adds a savory and umami flavor.
* **Brown Sugar:** Balances the savory flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized glaze.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Contributes a smoky flavor and adds a vibrant color.
* **Onion Powder:** Adds a subtle onion flavor.
* **Black Pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper enhances the other flavors.
* **Salt:** To taste. Be mindful of the salt content in soy sauce.
* **Optional: Hot Sauce:** A dash of your favorite hot sauce adds a touch of heat.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Grill:** Gas or charcoal grill, preheated to medium heat (about 350-400°F).
* **Mixing Bowl:** For marinating the chicken.
* **Whisk:** To combine the marinade ingredients.
* **Tongs:** For flipping and moving the drumsticks on the grill.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* **Basting Brush (Optional):** For applying extra marinade during grilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Prepare the Marinade:**
* In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and hot sauce (if using).
* Taste the marinade and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add more brown sugar for sweetness, soy sauce for saltiness, or smoked paprika for smokiness.
**2. Marinate the Chicken:**
* Place the chicken drumsticks in the mixing bowl with the marinade. Make sure all drumsticks are evenly coated.
* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the drumsticks and marinade to a resealable plastic bag.
* Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
**3. Preheat the Grill:**
* Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F). If using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed.
* Clean the grill grates with a wire brush to remove any residue.
* Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
**4. Grill the Chicken:**
* Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade and discard the marinade.
* Place the drumsticks on the preheated grill, spacing them evenly apart.
* Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Turn the drumsticks frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Use tongs to flip them.
**5. Basting (Optional):**
* For extra flavor and a glossy finish, you can baste the drumsticks with the reserved marinade during the last few minutes of grilling. Be sure to cook the chicken to the proper temperature after basting, as raw marinade could contain bacteria.
**6. Check for Doneness:**
* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
**7. Rest and Serve:**
* Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
* Serve the grilled chicken drumsticks immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Overcrowding the grill will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of grill. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Control the Heat:** Keep a close eye on the grill temperature and adjust as needed to prevent the chicken from burning. If the chicken is browning too quickly, move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Don’t rely on visual cues alone.
* **Marinate for at Least 30 Minutes:** While a short marinade is better than none, marinating the chicken for several hours will result in a much more flavorful and tender product.
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
* **Experiment with Marinades:** Feel free to experiment with different marinades to create your own unique flavor combinations. Try adding different herbs, spices, sauces, or citrus juices.
Variations and Add-ins
* **Honey Garlic:** Add honey to the marinade for extra sweetness and a sticky glaze.
* **Lemon Herb:** Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the marinade for a bright and refreshing flavor.
* **Spicy:** Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
* **Teriyaki:** Use teriyaki sauce as the base for the marinade.
* **Dry Rub:** Instead of a marinade, try using a dry rub made with spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cumin.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled chicken drumsticks are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Classic BBQ Sides:** Coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, baked beans.
* **Fresh Salads:** Garden salad, pasta salad, quinoa salad.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, onions.
* **Starches:** Rice, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes.
* **Bread:** Cornbread, garlic bread, dinner rolls.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to grill, simply remove the chicken from the refrigerator and follow the grilling instructions.
Storage Instructions
Leftover grilled chicken drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the grill.
Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 pounds chicken drumsticks
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste (adjust based on soy sauce)
* Optional: 1 teaspoon hot sauce
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and hot sauce (if using).
2. Place the chicken drumsticks in the mixing bowl with the marinade. Make sure all drumsticks are evenly coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the drumsticks and marinade to a resealable plastic bag.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
5. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F).
6. Remove the chicken drumsticks from the marinade and discard the marinade.
7. Place the drumsticks on the preheated grill, spacing them evenly apart.
8. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), turning frequently.
9. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
11. Serve the grilled chicken drumsticks immediately and enjoy!
Enjoy!
These easy grilled chicken drumsticks are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. With a flavorful marinade and simple grilling techniques, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy some juicy and flavorful chicken!