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

 Grilling chicken drumsticks is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare chicken. With their tender meat and crispy skin, drumsticks are a popular choice for outdoor grilling, family gatherings, and casual cookouts. However, grilling chicken drumsticks to perfection requires a bit of knowledge about the right cooking time and techniques.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of grilling chicken drumsticks, including how long to grill them, the best grilling techniques, and some expert tips to ensure your chicken turns out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.

For more grilling tips and tricks, make sure to check out Scrappy Geek.

Why Choose Chicken Drumsticks?

Before diving into the details of how long to grill chicken drumsticks, let's take a moment to understand why chicken drumsticks are such a popular grilling choice:

  • Affordable and Accessible: Chicken drumsticks are often one of the most affordable cuts of chicken, making them a great choice for feeding a crowd on a budget.

  • Flavorful: Drumsticks are a dark meat cut, which means they are packed with flavor and tend to remain moist during grilling. They have a rich, savory taste that’s perfect for grilling.

  • Easy to Cook: While they take a bit longer than chicken wings or breasts, chicken drumsticks are relatively easy to cook and forgiving, as they don’t dry out as quickly as chicken breasts.

  • Versatile: You can season drumsticks in a variety of ways, from simple salt and pepper to complex marinades, making them perfect for all kinds of flavor profiles.

Now that you know why chicken drumsticks are such a great choice, let’s dive into how long to grill chicken drumsticks for the best results.

1. Prepping the Chicken Drumsticks

Before you even think about how long to grill chicken drumsticks, it’s important to prepare them properly for the grill. Here's how:

  • Remove Excess Moisture: Use paper towels to pat the chicken drumsticks dry. This helps the skin crisp up on the grill and ensures that your seasoning sticks.

  • Season the Drumsticks: You can keep it simple with salt and pepper or use a marinade to infuse the drumsticks with flavor. A good marinade for chicken might include olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), and spices like paprika or cayenne. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or preferably a few hours, for deeper flavor.

  • Room Temperature: Let the chicken drumsticks sit out at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling. This allows the meat to cook more evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.

For more in-depth seasoning and preparation advice, visit Scrappy Geek.

2. Preheating the Grill

The next step in how long to grill chicken drumsticks is making sure your grill is properly preheated. Whether you're using a gas or charcoal grill, it’s important to have the right cooking temperature to ensure the drumsticks cook evenly and get that nice crispy skin.

  • Gas Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Allow it to heat for 10-15 minutes before placing the drumsticks on it.

  • Charcoal Grill: For a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire. Place the charcoal on one side for direct heat and leave the other side for indirect heat. This will allow you to sear the drumsticks and then move them to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking.

Be sure to clean the grill grates before cooking to prevent the drumsticks from sticking.

3. Grilling the Chicken Drumsticks

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how long to grill chicken drumsticks. The grilling time can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the temperature of the grill, but here’s a general guideline:

  • Sear the Drumsticks: Place the drumsticks on the hot side of the grill (direct heat) for about 2-3 minutes per side. This helps to get a nice sear and crispy skin.

  • Move to Indirect Heat: After searing, move the drumsticks to the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). This allows them to cook more gently and evenly without burning the outside.

  • Total Grilling Time: On average, chicken drumsticks should be grilled for about 25-30 minutes in total, depending on their size and your grill's heat. Flip them every 7-8 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides.

For best results, how long to grill chicken drumsticks can vary based on factors such as the size of the drumsticks and grill temperature. But as a general rule, drumsticks take about 25-30 minutes to cook through on a medium-high grill.

4. Checking for Doneness

It’s important to ensure that the chicken drumsticks are fully cooked before serving. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer:

  • Internal Temperature: The internal temperature of the chicken drumsticks should reach 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch the bone, as this can give a false reading.

  • Visual Clues: If you don’t have a thermometer, look for visual clues. The juices should run clear, not pink, and the meat should be opaque throughout.

If your drumsticks haven’t reached the proper temperature yet, continue grilling them and check again after a few minutes.

For more tips on checking the doneness of grilled chicken, be sure to check out Scrappy Geek.

5. Letting the Chicken Rest

Once your chicken drumsticks are fully cooked, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute in the meat, making the chicken more tender and juicy. If you cut into the chicken too soon, the juices will run out, leaving the meat dry.

6. Serve and Enjoy

After your chicken drumsticks have rested, they’re ready to be served. You can enjoy them as-is or pair them with your favorite sides, like grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken drumsticks is an easy and satisfying way to prepare a delicious meal, whether you're grilling for a small group or a large crowd. By following these simple steps and knowing how long to grill chicken drumsticks, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly grilled drumsticks with crispy skin and juicy meat every time.

Remember to take your time with seasoning, preheating the grill, and checking the internal temperature to ensure that your chicken drumsticks come out just right. Whether you're a grilling novice or an expert, this guide will help you master the art of grilling chicken drumsticks.

For more helpful grilling advice, recipes, and cooking tips, don’t forget to visit Scrappy Geek.

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