Quick Answer
It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to grill drumsticks to an internal temperature of 165°F. The exact time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the drumsticks, the heat level of the grill, and whether the drumsticks are bone-in or boneless. For bone-in chicken drumsticks, grill for 35-45 minutes over medium heat, turning occasionally. For boneless drumsticks, grill for 25-35 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
How to Grill Chicken Drumsticks Perfectly
Grilling drumsticks on the barbecue results in juicy, flavorful chicken with a delicious char. Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled drumsticks every time:
1. Prepare the Drumsticks
– Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels and season all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herb rubs you want to use. Getting them nice and dry will help promote browning.
– For extra flavor and moisture, you can marinate the drumsticks for 30 minutes up to overnight in a marinade of your choice. Try yogurt, buttermilk, italian dressing, or barbecue sauce for easy options.
– If the drumsticks have skin on, lightly score the skin diagonally with a sharp knife. This will help render the fat and make the skin deliciously crispy.
2. Preheat and Oil the Grill
– Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F.
– Use a grill brush to scrape the grill grates clean. Then dip a wadded paper towel in vegetable oil and use tongs to carefully rub over the grates creating a fine layer of oil. This will prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Drumsticks
– Place the drumsticks directly over the heat. If flare-ups occur, move them temporarily to a cooler part of the grill.
– Grill for 15-20 minutes until browned, then flip and grill 15-20 minutes on the other side until browned and cooked through. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F.
– For bone-in drumsticks, total grilling time will be 35-45 minutes. For boneless, total time will be 25-35 minutes.
– If drumsticks start to burn or cook too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.
– Baste the drumsticks with barbecue sauce during the last 5-10 minutes if desired. This will create a sticky, caramelized coating.
4. Check for Doneness and Rest
– The best way to ensure drumsticks are fully cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of a few drumsticks and verify they have reached 165°F.
– Once done, transfer the drumsticks to a clean platter and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, tender chicken.
– For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley or your favorite herb before serving. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Grilled Drumsticks
Follow these helpful tips and tricks for grilling juicy, flavorful drumsticks every time:
– Choose drumsticks of equal size so they cook evenly. Aim for 8-12 ounces each.
– Leave the skin on for added moisture and flavor. Crisp the skin by scoring it before grilling.
– Marinate drumsticks for added juiciness. Buttermilk, italian dressing and yogurt all infuse great flavor.
– Grill over direct medium heat. The two-zone fire lets you sear then move to indirect heat to finish cooking.
– Rotate drumsticks and shuffle their positions occasionally so they cook evenly.
– Let drumsticks rest before serving so juices redistribute. Moist chicken guaranteed!
– Take drumsticks off the grill when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. No guesswork needed.
– Add glazes or sauces at the end to prevent burning. The last 5-10 minutes ensures a tasty coating.
– Pair grilled drumsticks with tangy barbecue sauce, blue cheese dip, or your favorite flavored aioli for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to grill chicken drumsticks?
The best way is to grill them over direct medium heat, turning occasionally, until nicely browned on both sides and cooked through. Shoot for 375-400°F on a gas or charcoal grill. Bone-in drumsticks will take 35-45 minutes, boneless 25-35 minutes. Use a two-zone fire so you can sear over direct heat then move to indirect if they are cooking too fast.
How long should I grill drumsticks for?
Bone-in drumsticks will take 35-45 minutes grilled over medium heat. Boneless drumsticks will take 25-35 minutes. The exact time comes down to the thickness of the meat so always rely on an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F doneness. For food safety, they must reach this internal temperature.
Should drumsticks be marinated before grilling?
Marinating is optional but highly recommended for added moisture and flavor. Buttermilk, italian dressing, barbecue sauce, and yogurt all make excellent drumstick marinades. Marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight. Just be aware acidic marinades can slightly break down the texture if left too long.
Do I need to rest grilled drumsticks before serving?
Yes, it is important to let grilled drumsticks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for moist, tender chicken. Tent loosely with foil while resting. Skipping this step means you’ll end up with drier drumsticks.
What are the best drumsticks for grilling?
Look for plump, meaty drumsticks that are similar in size, ideally 8-12 ounces each. Even thickness will promote even cooking. Bone-in or boneless both work well. Go for drumsticks with skin for the most flavor and moisture – just remember to score the skin prior to grilling for crispness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to end up with dried out or undercooked drumsticks if you aren’t careful. Follow these tips to avoid the most common grilling mistakes:
– Don’t grill drumsticks over high heat. Stick to medium heat for tender results. High heat will char and dry them out.
– Be sure to oil the grill grates well before adding drumsticks. Food sticking and tearing is not appetizing.
– Avoid unreliable methods like cutting to test for doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
– Don’t forget to let drumsticks rest before slicing or digging in. Skipping this step means dry meat.
– Don’t sauce drumsticks too early or the sugars will burn. Wait until the last 10 minutes to glaze or sauce.
– Don’t overcrowd the grill or drumsticks will steam rather than brown. Leave space between each one.
– Don’t leave drumsticks unattended over direct heat or they will burn. Keep an eye on them.
– Don’t use drumsticks of vastly different sizes. Thinner pieces will overcook before thicker ones are done.
Conclusion
Grilling is a quick and healthy way to cook chicken drumsticks with delicious results. Allow 30-40 minutes for bone-in or 25-35 minutes for boneless, turning occasionally over medium heat. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F. Marinate drumsticks for extra moisture and flavor if desired. Let the grilled drumsticks rest before serving for redistribution of juices. Follow the tips above for perfectly juicy, flavorful grilled drumsticks every time. Now get outside and fire up that grill!
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 6oz chicken drumstick (bone-in, skin-on), grilled:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 184 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 124mg |
| Sodium | 198mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 22g |
As you can see, a grilled chicken drumstick is an excellent source of lean protein. It also contains vitamins and minerals like niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, and selenium. The skin-on option provides more fat and calories, but also increases the flavor and juiciness. Removing the skin lowers the calorie and fat content. Grilled drumsticks are delicious, versatile, and pair wonderfully with healthy sides like roasted vegetables or garden salads.
Related Questions
What are other ways to cook chicken drumsticks?
Aside from grilling, here are some other great options for cooking chicken drumsticks:
– Roasted: Drumsticks roast wonderfully in the oven at 375°F for 45-60 minutes until browned and cooked through.
– Baked: Like roasting but covered to keep them extra moist. Bake at 375°F for about 1 hour.
– Fried: The classic crisp, golden southern-fried drumsticks. Deep fry or pan fry until browned and 165°F.
– Braised: Slow cooking drumsticks in a flavorful liquid like broth, wine, or barbecue sauce.
– Instant Pot: Cook drumsticks in 25-35 minutes in a pressure cooker for fall-off-the-bone meat.
– Slow Cooker: Low and slow drumstick cooking. Leave on low for 4-6 hours until tender.
– Air Fryer: A quick and healthier cooking method to get crispy skin without the oil. Air fry at 400°F for 18-22 minutes, shaking occasionally.
What sauces go well with grilled drumsticks?
– Barbecue sauce – the classic, tangy compliment to grilled meat.
– Buffalo sauce – for a spicy kick of flavor.
– Teriyaki sauce – sweet and sticky with Asian flavors.
– Honey mustard – savory with a touch of sweetness.
– Chimichurri – fresh herb sauce with garlic and citrus.
– Blue cheese dressing – cool, creamy dipping sauce.
– Ranch dressing – creamy and herby.
– BBQ rubs – spice mixtures lend big flavor without sauces.
– Mango salsa – fruity twist to grilled chicken.
– Pesto – basil, pine nut and olive oil flavor.