With a built in handle, these grilled drumsticks are great to feed a crowd, and make for a hearty tailgate snack.
With fragrant spices, smoky chili powders and just a touch of heat, these grilled chicken drumsticks are one of my favorite crowd-pleasers. Setting up your grill for two-zone cooking creates the ideal environment to get a deep charcoal sear without burning the meat. I use consistent lump or briquette charcoal for predictable heat and an even sear.
There’s no set time to cook these—always cook chicken to temperature. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and remove the drumsticks once they hit 165°F. Monitoring temperature prevents overcooking and keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
Spice-rubbed grilled chicken drumsticks
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- Author: Jess Pryles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: serves 10–12
Ingredients
4–5 lb chicken drumsticks (about 12)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons paprika
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
1 teaspoon ancho powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Light a full chimney of charcoal and wait about 10–15 minutes until the top layer just begins to ash around the edges.
- While the charcoal is heating, place the drumsticks in a large bowl. Add the olive oil and the remaining spices and salt. Toss thoroughly so each drumstick is evenly coated.
- When the coals are lit and ashing, dump them into one side of the grill to create a hot zone and a cool zone (two-zone grilling). Replace the grate over the lit coals.
- Working quickly, place the drumsticks directly over the hot coals to develop color. Cook about one minute, flip, and cook one minute on the other side. You want a nice sear but should avoid burning. If you want more color, leave them a little longer, watching carefully.
- Once they have a good char, move the drumsticks to the cool or indirect side of the grill. Close the lid and allow them to finish cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This usually takes 15–20 minutes depending on grill temperature and drumstick size.
- Remove the drumsticks from the grill and serve hot.
Notes
Pro tip: wrap a small piece of foil around the bone end to make the drumsticks easier to hold and eat when hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American