Chicken drumsticks are a popular choice for barbecuing. They’re easy to cook, full of flavor, and feed a crowd. But knowing exactly how long to grill chicken drumsticks can be tricky. Cooking time can vary based on the size of the drumsticks, temperature of the grill, and whether the drumsticks are bone-in or boneless.
Factors That Affect Chicken Drumstick Cook Times
There are a few key factors that impact how long it takes to cook chicken drumsticks on the barbecue:
- Bone-in vs boneless: Chicken drumsticks with the bone still in will take longer to cook than boneless drumsticks. The bones help insulate the meat and slow down cooking.
- Size of drumsticks: Larger, meatier drumsticks will need more time on the grill than smaller drumsticks.
- Cooking temperature: The hotter the grill, the faster the drumsticks will cook. A very hot grill around 500°F can cook them faster than a lower 300°F temperature.
- Flip frequency: The more you flip and move the drumsticks, the more evenly they’ll cook and the faster they’ll be finished.
- Indirect vs direct heat: Cooking over direct heat on the grill grates will be faster than using indirect heat.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you estimate the best cooking times for chicken drumsticks on a barbecue.
How Long to Grill Bone-In Chicken Drumsticks
For bone-in chicken drumsticks that have been seasoned or marinated, the most common grill times are:
- Over direct high heat (500°F): 18-25 minutes
- Over direct medium-high heat (450°F): 25-35 minutes
- Over indirect medium heat (350°F): 35-45 minutes
Cook times will also depend on the thickness of the meat. Thicker, fattier drumsticks may need 5-10 minutes longer than smaller lean drumsticks.
Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken drumsticks are safe to eat once they reach 165°F internally. The juices should run clear and the meat should no longer look pink.
Tips for Grilling Bone-In Drumsticks
- Bring drumsticks to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
- Use medium-high heat to get nice browning on the outside.
- Flip the drumsticks frequently, around every 5 minutes.
- Move to indirect heat on a cooler grill area if they start to burn.
- Baste with barbecue sauce in the last 5-10 minutes once they’re mostly cooked.
How Long to Grill Boneless Chicken Drumsticks
Boneless chicken drumsticks will cook faster than bone-in. Approximate grill times are:
- Over direct high heat (500°F): 8-12 minutes
- Over direct medium-high heat (450°F): 12-18 minutes
- Over indirect medium heat (350°F): 18-25 minutes
The drumsticks are done when the internal temperature is 165°F and they are firm to the touch. Juices will run clear.
Tips for Grilling Boneless Drumsticks
- Use metal skewers to make them easier to flip.
- Brush with oil to prevent sticking to the grill.
- Turn frequently to prevent burning.
- Move to a cooler spot on the grill if they start to burn.
- Glaze with sauce at the very end once cooked through.
How to Tell When Chicken Drumsticks Are Done Grilling
Here are some signs to look for so you know when your chicken drumsticks are fully grilled:
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
- Meat has pulled away from the bone slightly
- Skin is crisp and browned (not pink)
- Meat feels firm to the touch
- No longer pink in the center
An instant read digital meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Simply insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick without touching bone. It will quickly give you an accurate internal temperature reading.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s easy to over or undercook chicken on the grill if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes and tips to get perfect drumsticks every time:
Undercooking
Drumsticks may be undercooked if the grill heat is too low or they haven’t been on long enough. Prevent undercooking by:
- Preheating grill properly to at least 400-450°F.
- Cooking over direct high heat for the first half of time.
- Allowing enough time based on size of drumstick.
- Using a meat thermometer to check internal temp.
Overcooking
It’s easy to accidentally overcook drumsticks, drying them out. Avoid overcooking with these tips:
- Watch carefully and remove from grill once at 165°F.
- Use medium-high rather than maximum heat.
- Move to indirect heat ifexteriors start to burn.
- Keep lid open if using very high direct heat.
Uneven Cooking
Drumsticks may cook unevenly if temps fluctuate. Prevent uneven cooking by:
- Keeping lid closed as much as possible.
- Frequently flipping and rotating.
- Arranging drumsticks in a single layer.
- Cooking over indirect heat if needed.
Burned Exteriors
Drumsticks can easily burn on a hot grill. Avoid burning with these tips:
- Grill over direct medium-high rather than maximum heat.
- Use indirect heat if they start to burn.
- Watch heat zones and move to cooler areas if needed.
- Flip drumsticks frequently while cooking.
Cooking Times for Different Heat Levels
Grilling over higher heat will cook the chicken faster, while lower heat will result in slower cooking times. Here are estimates for how long bone-in chicken drumsticks take on various grill heat settings:
| Grill Temperature | Approximate Cook Time |
|---|---|
| High Heat 500°F | 18-22 minutes |
| Medium-High Heat 450°F | 22-28 minutes |
| Medium Heat 400°F | 25-35 minutes |
| Low Heat 300°F | 35-45 minutes |
Use these times as a guide, but always rely on a thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.
Grilling Tips for Perfectly Cooked Drumsticks
Follow these top tips for grilling juicy, flavorful chicken drumsticks every time:
- Let drumsticks stand at room temp for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Use indirect heat if fatty skin flares up.
- Grill skin-side down first for crispy skin.
- Flip frequently to prevent burning.
- Brush with sauce only during last few minutes.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Use a thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temp.
How to Grill a Lot of Chicken Drumsticks
Grilling several pounds of drumsticks for a crowd? Here are some tips:
- Use indirect heat on one side of grill and direct on the other.
- Place drumsticks skin-side down over direct heat first.
- Once browned, move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
- Cook in batches to avoid crowding the grill.
- Keep cooked drumsticks warm in a foil pan while others finish.
- Allow extra grill time as you’ll be opening the lid frequently.
Have plenty of fuel available and be prepared for the process to take a while. Grilling 5-10 pounds of drumsticks could take over an hour. Use a digital food thermometer to check largest drumsticks for doneness.
Chicken Drumstick Grilling Times Chart
For easy reference, here are the approximate grilling times for chicken drumsticks:
| Drumstick Type | Direct High Heat | Direct Medium-High Heat | Indirect Medium Heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone-in | 18-25 minutes | 25-35 minutes | 35-45 minutes |
| Boneless | 8-12 minutes | 12-18 minutes | 18-25 minutes |
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Adjust times as needed for thicker drumsticks or higher amounts.
Marinade and Seasoning Recommendations
Chicken drumsticks do well with bold, flavorful marinades. Consider:
- Mediterranean: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley.
- Jerk: Brown sugar, allspice, thyme, habanero peppers, garlic.
- Teriyaki: Soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic.
- Tandoori: Yogurt, lemon juice, Indian spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric.
- Fajita: Lime juice, chili powder, cumin, cilantro.
Let drumsticks marinate at least 30 minutes up to overnight. You can also simply season with salt, pepper and your favorite herbs or spice blend before grilling.
Conclusion
Grilling chicken drumsticks allows you to add flavor from smoky barbecue and char. Bone-in drumsticks will take 18-25 minutes over high direct heat or up to 45 minutes with indirect medium heat. Boneless versions require just 8-12 minutes over high direct heat. Always grill with the lid closed as much as possible and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally and are cooked through. With the proper technique and cooking times, you’ll have perfectly done chicken drumsticks everyone will love.