Grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks might just be the quintessential summer dish that brings everyone together around the grill. Picture this: juicy chicken legs, glistening with a sticky, smoky barbecue glaze, sizzling away on a warm evening, while the tantalizing aroma wafts through the air. It’s the kind of dish that makes mouths water and is perfect for casual gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The beautiful char from the grill, combined with the sweet and spicy seasoning, will make you abandon any take-out plans. Trust me, you’ll want to whip up this Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Sticky Smoky Summer Cookout Chicken all summer long!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Sticky Smoky Summer Cookout Chicken
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Sticky Smoky Summer Cookout Chicken

Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Sticky Smoky Summer Cookout Chicken

I first tried grilling chicken drumsticks at a backyard cookout, and since then, they’ve become a family favorite. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s incredibly forgiving — you can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste or simply enjoy the delightful combination of sweet apricot jam and tangy barbecue sauce. Plus, they’re not only a feast for the taste buds but also a fun, hands-on meal that’s perfect for everyone to dig into. Honestly, there’s nothing better than breaking bread (or chicken!) with loved ones while the sun sets, and these drumsticks should definitely be on your grill this summer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With a little prep and about two hours of marinating time, dinner can be ready in just 30 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy glaze brings tremendous depth to the juicy chicken.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Perfectly grilled, these drumsticks will be the star at your next cookout, impressing all your guests!
Flexible Serving: Ideal for casual dinners, barbecues, or even as a midnight snack.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust the recipe to create a gluten-free delight by choosing the right barbecue sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tablespoon light brown sugar: This adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the other spices and ensuring the chicken is flavorful.
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Adds robust, aromatic flavor to the rub.
1 ½ teaspoons onion powder: Infuses the chicken with a delicious depth of flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika: Gives the chicken that irresistible smokiness we all crave.
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds warmth and a little kick to the spice mix.
Chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional): Use if you like a hint of heat to your BBQ drumsticks.
4 pounds chicken legs: The star of the show! If frozen, be sure to thaw them properly for even cooking.
1 cup BBQ sauce: A rich and tangy sauce that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
¼ cup apricot jam: This provides a delightful sweetness and helps create the sticky glaze.

How to Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Sticky Smoky Summer Cookout Chicken

Prepare the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Feel free to add chili or cayenne pepper if you want an extra kick.
Marinate the Chicken: Pat 4 pounds of chicken legs dry with paper towels, ensuring they are free of moisture. Rub the dry seasoning evenly over all the drumsticks. Cover the plate with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or, if time allows, overnight for maximum flavor. Remember to pull them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before grilling to help them cook evenly.
Prepare the BBQ Sauce Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup BBQ sauce and ¼ cup apricot jam. Heat over medium-low heat, letting it simmer and thicken slightly for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the pan. Set aside.
Preheat the Grill: Lightly oil your grill grates and set it up so one half is on high heat and the other half is on medium heat. This will give you more control when grilling.
Grill the Drumsticks: Place the chicken on the medium heat side of the grill, close the lid, and grill for about 5 minutes. Then, open the lid, flip the drumsticks, and carefully shuffle them around so they get equal exposure to the heat. Move those closer to the high heat toward the medium heat side and cook for another 5 minutes.
Baste the Chicken: When the chicken is about 80% done (around 4-5 minutes from being finished), generously baste the BBQ sauce mixture on the drumsticks. Close the lid and let it cook for about 2 minutes. After that, turn the chicken, baste the other side, close the lid, and cook for another 2 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest Before Serving: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle. If you’d like, garnish with fresh herbs, green onions, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flair.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks can be stored at room temperature for a few hours, but should be refrigerated if you want to keep them longer. Place them in an airtight container, and they’ll last up to three to four days. If you want to save them for later, freeze the cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Just remember, the texture might differ slightly, but you can refresh their flavor, especially with a little extra dipping sauce!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be cautious not to over-season the chicken — a little goes a long way with strong flavors like smoked paprika and salt.
For better cooking, ensure your chicken reaches room temperature before grilling; it helps in cooking evenly.
If you want a more pronounced glaze, baste the chicken multiple times for additional flavor.
The ideal grill temperature for chicken is around 375°F; consider investing in a grill thermometer for accuracy.
Feel free to make the marinade or baste ahead of time for a quicker grilling experience!

Grilling up these flavorful chicken legs is a celebration of summer in your backyard. With their sweet, smoky glaze and tender meat, you’ll find yourself making them over and over again. Don’t be afraid to switch things up with different sauces and spice blends. Embrace the process, feel free to add your flair, and create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Recipe FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

A marinating time of at least 1-2 hours is ideal, but letting the chicken sit overnight will yield even better results as it has more time to absorb the flavors.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of drumsticks?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work perfectly with this recipe, although they may require a slightly different cooking time due to their thickness.

Is it necessary to preheat the grill?

Yes! Preheating helps achieve the perfect char and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Plus, it helps create those beautiful grill marks we all love.

What side dishes pair well with grilled BBQ chicken?

Consider serving your chicken drumsticks with classic sides such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a refreshing potato salad. Grilled vegetables are also a fantastic and healthy option!

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Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks | Sticky Smoky Summer Cookout Chicken

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks offer an irresistible smoky flavor with a simple prep. Perfect for summer cookouts or a quick family dinner, this dish features juicy chicken legs coated in a delicious BBQ sauce and jam mixture. Enjoy a taste of summer with this easy, homemade recipe that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

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1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
chili powder or cayenne pepper, optional and to taste for spiciness
4 pounds chicken legs, if using frozen, make sure you allow ample time to fully thaw
1 cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup apricot jam, apple or grape jelly work well, orange marmalade is a less sweet option

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings and spices for the dry rub and mix well.
Place the chicken on a large plate, pat it dry with paper towels, and rub the dry rub evenly into the drumsticks. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or overnight. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling.
In a small saucepan, combine BBQ sauce and jam. Heat over medium-low until simmering, whisk occasionally until thickened, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
Preheat the grill with one side on high heat and the other on medium. Lightly oil the grill grates.
Place the chicken on the medium heat side, close the lid, and grill for 5 minutes. Flip the drumsticks and adjust their position based on heat, cooking for another 5 minutes.
When the chicken is about 80% done, generously baste with BBQ sauce mixture and cook for 2 minutes with the lid closed. Flip, baste the other side, close lid, and cook for another 2 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with herbs, green onions, or sesame seeds.

Notes

For a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili or cayenne pepper to the dry rub.
Ensure the chicken is fully thawed before marinating for best flavor absorption.
Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps keep it juicy.