Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

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Looking for the best grilled chicken drumsticks recipe? This easy recipe uses simple ingredients like olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a homemade spice mix to create a juicy chicken with crispy skin—perfect for summer potlucks, BBQ parties, or 4th of July grilling.

Chicken drumsticks are an underrated hero of summer grilling. Juicy, flavorful, and budget-friendly, they pack a serious punch when cooked right. Whether you’re planning a Memorial Day BBQ, a 4th of July party, or just a chill summer backyard party, grilled chicken drumsticks are a hit with the whole family. For more chicken recipes, go to Delicious Chicken Recipes.

Best Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

When I was young, growing up in Poland, we didn’t have grills—at least, not the kind we know today. During my childhood, grilling meant building a small fire in the backyard or deep in the forest during summer getaways. We’d skewer sausages or slabs of meat on sticks and roast them over open flames, turning them slowly to get that perfect char.

There were no grill grates, gas grills, or temperature gauges—just instinct, smoke, and fire. It wasn’t until the early 1990s, after the fall of communism, that grills started becoming common in Polish households. Suddenly, metal grill pans and charcoal grills became a sign of freedom and Western influence. With them came new recipes, summer traditions, and an entire culture of backyard BBQ parties that still bring me joy today.

I still remember my first backyard summer BBQ after moving to the United States. I stood in front of a gas grill, nervously flipping my first batch of chicken drumsticks while my dog watched like it was the finale of a cooking show. A little too charred here, a bit too pink there. But each batch got better—and now, grilling drumsticks has become a summer tradition.

This grilled chicken drumsticks recipe was born from years of trial and error, and it’s now my go-to. A simple marinade made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a bold homemade Mexican seasoning mix gives these drumsticks that perfect combo of juicy meat and crispy skin. If you’re looking for more creative ways to season, try this tangy twist with my favorite Easy Pomegranate Molasses Vinaigrette Recipe.

As a chef and nutrition consultant, I always aim to create recipes that balance taste and health. Dark meat, like chicken drumsticks, offers more flavor and iron than chicken breasts. When you use healthy fats like olive oil and skip the store-bought sauces loaded with sugar, you end up with a healthy recipe that’s also finger-lickin’ good. Plus, this one uses simple ingredients most people already have in their pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy chicken legs with juicy meat every time
• Uses a dry rub of garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne, and black pepper
• Perfect for any summer potluck, BBQ party, or weeknight dinner
• No fancy gear needed—just a grill, meat thermometer, and a little bit of patience
• Great for meal prep; leftovers store well in an airtight container

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If you want to explore more ways to season and prepare chicken for grilling, you can check out my Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken Recipe, which uses bold spices and shares tips for juicy chicken results.

If you need a sauce to go with it, try a fresh twist like my Easy Chimichurri Sauce, which brings zesty herb flavor that matches jerk’s bold spirit.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Don’t have a grill? Use an oven or an air fryer for a crispy finish.

• Chicken thighs or chicken leg quarters can be used instead of drumsticks.

• Sub apple cider vinegar for lemon juice or lime a more citrusy punch.

• Swap the Mexican dry rub for your favorite BBQ sauce or homemade buffalo sauce if you want a saucier version.

Chef Angie’s Tips

• Bring chicken to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels to help that skin crisp up.
• Always cook to the safe internal temperature—175 degrees F for dark meat.
• Grill on indirect heat first, then finish over high heat for that beautiful char.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill pan or baking sheet.

Ways to Serve

• With your favorite sides, think grilled corn, coleslaw, or roasted veggies.
• Sauteed summer veggies.
• Toss with a spicy sauce post-grill for extra heat or salsas.
• Roasted asparagus.
• Great addition to salads or wraps the next day.
• Roasted vegetables.
• Make it the star of your 4th of July BBQ spread.
• A generous handful of chopped herbs adds a burst of freshness. My go-to is this Fresh Herb Salad with a simple vinaigrette.
• Grilled peach burrata salad.

If you want to explore more about cooking outdoors and technique, try a recipe like my Grilled Nopales Salad Recipe,

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the skin crispy.
• Freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

Equipment

• Gas grill or charcoal grill
• Large bowl
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Small bowl
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet (if using oven)
• Grill pan (optional for stovetop grilling)

FAQ for Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Q: Can I make these with chicken breasts instead of drumsticks? A: Sure! Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. Just keep an eye on the final internal temperature to avoid drying out.

Q: What if I don’t have a grill? A: Use your oven or air fryer! Bake on a baking sheet at 400 degrees F or air fry at 375 for crispy chicken legs.

Q: What is the best temperature to grill chicken drumsticks? A: Start at medium heat using indirect heat to cook through, then finish on high heat for crispy skin and grill marks.

Q: How long do I grill the drumsticks? A: Total grilling time is around 25–35 minutes, depending on size. Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature.

Q: What makes these the best grilled chicken legs? A: The perfect combo of juicy meat, bold seasoning, and that crave-worthy crispy skin.

If you want another take on seasoning and serving juicy drumsticks, check out my Chicken Drumsticks with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe, which includes more pointers on cook times and serving ideas.

This chicken drumsticks recipe has become a staple at my summer parties. Whether you’re cooking on a hot grill, charcoal grill, or even in the oven, these BBQ chicken drumsticks always steal the show. With the right prep and a little love, you’ll get the perfect chicken drumsticks every time. So grab your tongs, light up the grill, and make space on your plate—this one’s a keeper.

More Summer Recipes

Best Jamaican Jerk Chicken
Gluten-Free Key Lime Bars

Classic Virgin Mojito Mocktail

Pineapple Ginger Ale Mocktail

Chicken Drumsticks With Chimichurri Sauce
Dragon Fruit Lemonade

Roasted Strawberries Vinaigrette – Summer Salad

Pineapple Cucumber Lemonade With Basil

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Cucumber Radish Salad With Fresh Dill

Polish Tomato and Dill Pickles Salad

Polish Young/New Potatoes With Dill

No-Bake Peach Cheesecake (Polish Sernik na Zimno)

Polish Sorrel Soup With Hard Boiled Egg (Zupa Szczawiowa)

Grilled Peaches With Balsamic Vinegar

Summer Fruit salad

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