How Long to Grill Chicken Drumsticks: The Ultimate Guide for Perfectly Grilled Drumsticks

 Grilling chicken drumsticks is a classic and delicious way to prepare a satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply cooking dinner, grilling chicken drumsticks provides juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy, golden-brown skin that’s hard to resist. However, one of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to grilling drumsticks is, “How long to grill chicken drumsticks?”

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the grilling process, including the best techniques for cooking chicken drumsticks, the ideal grilling time, and tips for getting that perfect flavor and texture. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to confidently grill drumsticks that are cooked to perfection every time!

Why Chicken Drumsticks Are Ideal for Grilling

Chicken drumsticks are a favorite for grilling for several reasons. Not only are they affordable, but they’re also packed with flavor and have a higher fat content compared to leaner cuts like chicken breasts. The fat in the drumsticks helps keep the meat tender and juicy, preventing it from drying out during grilling. Additionally, the skin crisps up beautifully on the grill, adding a delicious texture that everyone loves.

Another benefit of grilling chicken drumsticks is that they’re easy to handle on the grill, making them a convenient choice for both beginners and experienced grill masters. The bone in the drumstick also helps retain moisture, ensuring a juicy result.

Preparing Chicken Drumsticks for Grilling

Before you dive into the grilling process, it’s essential to prepare your chicken drumsticks to ensure they cook evenly and absorb all those delicious flavors. Here’s how to prepare your drumsticks:

1. Thaw the Chicken Drumsticks

If you’re using frozen chicken drumsticks, be sure to thaw them completely before grilling. The best way to do this is to place the drumsticks in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick-thaw method by placing the drumsticks in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water.

2. Pat Dry with Paper Towels

Once thawed, use paper towels to pat the chicken drumsticks dry. This removes excess moisture from the surface and helps the skin crisp up while grilling. The drier the skin, the better the result!

3. Season or Marinate

Chicken drumsticks are incredibly versatile, so you can season them in many different ways. For a simple but delicious flavor, rub the drumsticks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. However, if you want to add more depth of flavor, you can use your favorite dry rub or marinade.

A basic marinade could include olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, soy sauce, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. If you prefer a more intense flavor, consider a spicy marinade with chili powder, cayenne pepper, and lime juice. For best results, marinate the drumsticks for at least 30 minutes, but several hours or overnight will provide even more flavor.

4. Let the Chicken Come to Room Temperature

Before grilling, let your chicken drumsticks sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This ensures that they cook more evenly and helps prevent the meat from becoming tough due to a sudden temperature change when placed on the grill.

Setting Up the Grill for Chicken Drumsticks

Grilling chicken drumsticks requires some attention to heat control to ensure they cook properly. Here’s how to set up your grill for optimal cooking:

Charcoal Grill

If you’re using a charcoal grill, you’ll want to create a two-zone cooking system. Start by lighting the charcoal and allowing it to burn until the coals are glowing and covered with white ash. Arrange the coals on one side of the grill to create a hot zone for searing, and leave the other side empty for indirect heat. This setup will allow you to sear the drumsticks and then cook them through without burning.

Gas Grill

For a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes. Once the grill is preheated, adjust the burners so that one side is set to high heat for searing and the other side is set to medium-low heat for cooking the chicken drumsticks through.

How Long to Grill Chicken Drumsticks

The key to perfectly grilled chicken drumsticks lies in the cooking time and temperature. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks, the heat of the grill, and whether you’re using direct or indirect heat.

Searing the Chicken Drumsticks

Start by placing the chicken drumsticks over the direct heat (hot side of the grill). Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side to develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior. This step locks in the juices and gives the skin a nice crispness.

Cooking Through with Indirect Heat

Once the drumsticks are seared, move them to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). This will allow the chicken to cook through without burning on the outside. Close the lid and let the chicken cook for 25-30 minutes, turning the drumsticks occasionally to ensure even cooking.

During this phase, the internal temperature of the chicken should rise gradually, ensuring that the meat remains tender and juicy. The cooking time can vary based on the size of the drumsticks, but generally, chicken drumsticks will take 35-40 minutes total to grill, including the searing time.

Checking the Internal Temperature

The most reliable way to check if your chicken drumsticks are fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick (avoiding the bone), and check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the USDA-recommended temperature for safe consumption of chicken.

If your drumsticks haven’t reached 165°F yet, continue cooking them for a few more minutes and check the temperature again. Remember that the meat will continue to cook slightly even after it’s removed from the grill, so it’s important not to overcook the chicken.

Optional: Adding BBQ Sauce

If you prefer BBQ-flavored chicken drumsticks, brush your favorite BBQ sauce onto the drumsticks during the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. Applying the sauce too early can cause it to burn, so make sure to add it toward the end of the grilling process. Allow the sauce to caramelize slightly for a perfect, sticky finish.

Tips for Grilling Perfect Chicken Drumsticks

  • Use Indirect Heat: To ensure your chicken drumsticks cook evenly, always use a two-zone heat setup. Start with direct heat to sear the chicken, then move it to indirect heat to cook through without burning.

  • Monitor the Internal Temperature: A meat thermometer is your best friend for ensuring your chicken drumsticks are fully cooked and safe to eat. Always check the temperature at the thickest part of the drumstick.

  • Rest the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken drumsticks rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier, more tender chicken.

  • Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative with marinades and rubs. You can try different flavor combinations such as garlic and lemon, honey mustard, or spicy chipotle for a unique twist on traditional grilled drumsticks.

  • Avoid Overcrowding the Grill: To ensure that each chicken drumstick gets an even cook, avoid overcrowding the grill. Make sure there’s enough space between each piece so the heat can circulate properly.

Serving Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Once your chicken drumsticks are grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve them! You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a variety of sides. Some great side dishes for grilled chicken drumsticks include:

  • Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus)

  • Potato salad or mashed potatoes

  • Coleslaw

  • Corn on the cob

  • Fresh green salad

For a more casual meal, serve the drumsticks with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for added flavor.

Final Thoughts on How Long to Grill Chicken Drumsticks

Grilling chicken drumsticks is a straightforward yet incredibly rewarding cooking method that delivers juicy, tender meat with crispy, flavorful skin. By following the right techniques and paying attention to the cooking time, you can master grilling chicken drumsticks and create a meal that everyone will enjoy.

To get the best results, remember to use a two-zone grilling setup, monitor the internal temperature, and rest the chicken after grilling. With these tips in hand, you’ll be grilling chicken drumsticks like a pro in no time!

For more expert grilling tips, recipes, and advice, be sure to visit Scrappy Geek, your go-to source for all things grilling!

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