BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for summer cookouts or a cozy family dinner. The combination of juicy, tender chicken with a flavorful BBQ sauce glaze creates a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love. This simple recipe is quick to prepare and packs a punch of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors with every bite. Grilled to perfection, these drumsticks offer the ideal balance of crispy skin and succulent meat. Whether served with sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob, BBQ Chicken Drumsticks will be the star of your meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The chicken is coated with a tangy and flavorful BBQ sauce made with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasonings, then grilled to create a mouthwatering, crispy exterior. The result is a savory, smoky dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual backyard barbecues to family gatherings. The best part? It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients

With just a few pantry staples like garlic powder, onion powder, and BBQ sauce, this recipe comes together quickly without needing any special ingredients.

2. Grilled Perfection

Grilling the drumsticks adds a smoky, crispy exterior while keeping the meat inside juicy and tender.

3. Versatile

Serve these BBQ drumsticks with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

4. Quick and Easy

This recipe is ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cookouts.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are always a hit at gatherings, making them a great choice for family barbecues, picnics, or parties.

Ingredients

Chicken drumsticks
BBQ sauce
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper

Variations

Spicy BBQ Drumsticks: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the BBQ sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Honey BBQ: Mix honey into the BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor that complements the smoky taste of the grilled chicken.
Citrus Twist: Add a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice to the BBQ sauce mixture for a zesty, citrusy finish.
Grilled Vegetables: Pair the drumsticks with grilled veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to add extra flavor to your meal.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches a consistent temperature before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Brush the chicken drumsticks with the BBQ sauce mixture, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.

Step 4: Grill the Drumsticks

Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness— the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the drumsticks are fully cooked, remove them from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the drumsticks while grilling, as they can overcook quickly. Turn them often to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning.
Marinate for More Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the BBQ sauce mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling.
Crispier Skin: To achieve crispier skin, grill the drumsticks over direct heat for the first few minutes, then move them to indirect heat to cook through without burning.

How to Serve

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Some great options include:

Classic coleslaw
Grilled corn on the cob
Roasted potatoes
A fresh green salad
Baked beans

They also pair well with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill to maintain their crispy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked drumsticks by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them up in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat drumsticks, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the drumsticks on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes, turning often to avoid burning.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken wings instead of drumsticks?

Yes, chicken wings can be used in place of drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time as wings may cook faster.

2. Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade BBQ sauce, you can make your own using ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices.

3. How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?

Make sure to oil the grill grates before cooking. You can also lightly coat the chicken with oil to prevent sticking.

4. Can I cook these drumsticks in the oven?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are cooked through and golden brown.

5. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the drumsticks overnight will enhance the flavor. Just be sure not to marinate them for too long as the acids in the marinade can break down the meat.

6. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Boneless chicken can be used, but be mindful that the cooking time will be shorter. Be sure to check for doneness early.

7. Can I make these drumsticks in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook them in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender. Just be sure to add the BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking to avoid burning.

8. How do I prevent the BBQ sauce from burning on the grill?

To prevent burning, cook the chicken over indirect heat after applying the BBQ sauce, as direct heat can cause the sauce to caramelize and burn quickly.

9. Can I use a gas grill or charcoal for this recipe?

Both gas and charcoal grills will work great for this recipe. Just be sure to maintain medium-high heat for the best results.

10. Can I add extra spices to the BBQ sauce?

Yes, you can customize the BBQ sauce by adding extra spices such as cayenne pepper for heat, smoked paprika for extra smokiness, or brown sugar for sweetness.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are an easy and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. With minimal preparation and quick grilling time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend cookout. The tangy BBQ sauce combined with the crispy, juicy chicken creates an irresistible flavor combination. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!