Grilled Chicken Legs Recipe

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Make these incredible grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks on a hectic weeknight or for your upcoming backyard barbecue or cookout. And guess what? They’re Whole30 and Keto friendly! They’re simple to make, packed with bbq flavor, super juicy, and just the right amount of sticky.

Grill – Place chicken legs on grill over direct heat that’s been preheated to 350 degrees F. Grill for 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature 165 degrees F.

How to Make Grilled Spice-Rubbed Chicken Drumsticks

Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks 🔗

This Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe is easy to make, plus jam packed with bbq flavor, and super juicy with absolutely perfect caramelization. Make them on a busy weeknight or for your next backyard bbq or cookout.

Prep: 15min

Total: 45min

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 127 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 7 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 665 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 12 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 lb. chicken drumsticks (legs)
  • 1/2 cup bbq sauce (choose a bbq sauce that aligns with your dietary restrictions.)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, (optional)

Instruction:

  1. Make the bbq seasoning spice blend by measuring out the salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and cayenne powder (if using), and adding each to a small dish. Stir with a spoon.
  2. Pat each chicken drumstick with a few paper towels to fully dry the skin. Drizzle the chicken with oil and season with the spice blend. Mix well to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly.
  3. Gas grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Add the chicken drumsticks to clean, well-oiled grates, and cook. Turn each piece after a few minutes, until the skin is browned and crispy on all sides. Lower the heat to medium low (about 300°F), and close the grill. Cook for about 25 minutes, stopping halfway through to turn the chicken once.Charcoal grill: Create two heat zones (one with medium high heat and one with medium-low heat) by moving most of the charcoal to one side of the grill. Begin by placing the pieces of chicken directly over the heat source, turning every few minutes as the skin browns. Once the skin is browned and crispy, move the chicken away from the heat source, to the indirect (medium-low) heat zone. Cover and cook for about 25 more minutes, stopping halfway through to turn the chicken.
  4. Last, brush each piece of chicken with the bbq sauce. Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F  (~74°C), then serve immediately!

FAQ

How do you grill chicken legs without drying them out?

Gas Grill: Heat the grill over medium-high heat (approximately 400°F), add the chicken drumsticks, and cook for about five minutes per side, or until the skin is browned and crispy on all sides. Then, reduce the heat to about 300°F, cover the grill, and cook for about 25 minutes, turning the chicken drumsticks once halfway through.

How do you keep drumsticks moist on the grill?

We discovered that grilling chicken legs over direct heat and a medium to high temperature will produce chicken legs that are nicely crispy on the outside and incredibly moist inside.

How do you get crispy skin on grilled chicken legs?

First, make sure your chicken drumsticks are at room temperature before you start grilling to ensure that it produces a really tasty, juicy chicken drumstick that is fully cooked through without burning or drying it out.

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