BBQ chicken drumsticks are a classic and crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for backyard cookouts, family dinners, or game day gatherings. Juicy, tender, and packed with smoky-sweet flavor, these drumsticks are marinated or coated in a rich barbecue sauce, then grilled or baked to perfection.
Table of Contents
- What are Chicken Drumsticks?
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How to Make BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Substitutions and Variations
- BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- More Recipes You'll Enjoy
- Recipe Card
- The BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (You’ll Dream About:)
- Comments
Their crispy exterior and finger-licking glaze make them a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a beginner in the kitchen, BBQ chicken drumsticks are a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy bold, comforting flavors.
Everyone loves handy recipes that can be prepped ahead of time, this is one such recipe. I prep and marinate my chicken drums the night before, then put them in the fridge and out of the way. Letting it marinate in the fridge overnight is key for all that flavorful goodness to absorb into the chicken making it tender and tasty from within!
What are Chicken Drumsticks?
We all love Chicken Drumsticks but it sometimes confuses people as to which part of the chicken is the drumstick. Well, it is the lower, meaty leg portion of the bird. The whole leg portion of a chicken, which includes both the thigh and drumstick, is referred to as a chicken leg.
When you cut the whole leg into two pieces, you get the thigh and the drumstick. The upper piece of the chicken leg is the thigh, while the lower calf part of the leg is the drumstick.
This recipe I’ll be sharing with you today is incredibly tasty, and is packed with protein but is low in carbs which is just perfect!
Chicken drumsticks are a delicious cut that is easy to grill or bake to perfection, and I’m sure you’re going to love my recipe. If you’re wondering why though, let me share some of the top reasons with you in the next section!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why you’ll absolutely love this BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe!
For starters, it’s an incredibly easy recipe to make that requires very little prep time. It just doesn’t get easier than the marinade we’ll make and the grilling technique we’ll use. In fact, you can even bake these drumsticks!
They’re incredibly delicious, with juicy, perfectly cooked chicken on the inside, and perfectly crisp on the outside. The BBQ sauce is the perfect way to elevate the flavor and it takes everything to the next level.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile! You can use your favorite chicken part with this marinade, including chicken breast or chicken thighs! I’ve also mentioned in this post how to change up the flavor of the marinade with a few ingredients.
Key Ingredients
- Chicken drumsticks: This is the star ingredient of the recipe! We’ll be using 8 pounds of chicken drumsticks to make this recipe.
- Mrs. Dash seasoning: This is an incredibly delicious seasoning which is a combination of spices like onion powder, cumin, coriander, lemon powder etc. Trust me, it’s the perfect addition to this recipe!
- Smokehouse Maple seasoning: We’ll be using some of this seasoning to add an incredible layer of flavor to our chicken! It includes dried and ground bell peppers, some brown sugar, salt, maple syrup, etc. for the perfect flavor combination.
- Garlic salt: This will add the perfect salty and garlicky flavor to the chicken drumsticks for added depth.
- Salt and pepper: We’ll be using some salt and pepper to enhance the flavor and balance everything out.
- Barbecue sauce: For the liquid, we’ll be adding some BBQ Sauce to these spices to turn it into the perfect marinade for the chicken drumsticks! I’ve used Sweet Baby Ray’s brand, but you can go with whichever ones your favorite including Kraft, Bulls Eye, KFC Masterpiece, Stubb's, Jim Beam, and Famous Dave's.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Making these delicious BBQ Chicken Drumsticks is so incredibly simple that you’ll be amazed! Here’s how to make it step by step:
How to Marinate Chicken Drumsticks
Let’s prep the chicken first. Start by removing the skin from the drumstick pieces. This is optional, but we as a family prefer it since we don’t like the skin. It’s up to you to do it according to your family’s preference.
Next, place them into a large bowl and fill it with water so that all the chicken is covered in water. Let the chicken soak for an hour or two.
Drain the water and fill it up again. Pour into a strainer and rinse the chicken under running water. Leave drumsticks in the strainer for a bit for the excess water to drain.
Meanwhile, measure out all the seasonings on a large plate or a small bowl, then mix them together.
Next, transfer the drumsticks into a large bowl with a lid. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
Sprinkle drumsticks with seasoning then add barbecue sauce to it.
Mix together so the drumsticks are well coated with seasoning and barbecue sauce.
Close the lid tight and place it into the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
How to Grill BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Time to grill the chicken! Grease the grill rack with oil so the drumsticks don’t stick to them. Heat grill to 400 degrees F grill setting (medium-high heat).
Place drumsticks onto the rack and let them grill for about 20 minutes over a low fire or 400 F. Personally, I like the meat to cook slowly so it’s nice and well done inside, but you may grill however you like them. Save the leftover sauce in the bowl.
Turn drumsticks over, slather some of the leftover sauce from the marinating bowl and let them grill for another 20 minutes.
In addition, continue to brush the drumsticks with more sauce until it runs out.
Remove from the grill, cover with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving. Your delicious Chicken Drumsticks are ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
These BBQ Chicken Drumsticks taste incredible as they are, but here are a few ideas you can try to change things up:
Make them spicier: Add a little cayenne pepper to your marinade to make it spicier. For a little spice flavor, you can also go for some paprika instead.
Use garlic powder: If you love garlic, you can also add some extra garlic powder to take it to the next level.
Serve with side dishes: Serve these BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with side dishes of your choice. They pair well with mashed potatoes and fresh spring garden salad or any salad of your choice really. Oh, and don't forget about these deliciously amazing breadsticks as well!
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Tips
Knowing when chicken drumsticks are perfectly cooked is key to getting that juicy, tender meat with a crispy skin. Here are some foolproof ways to ensure they’re cooked just right:
1. Check the Internal Temperature
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends that chicken be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick (avoiding the bone), and once it hits that temperature, your chicken is fully cooked.
2. Juices Run Clear
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check the juices by piercing the thickest part of the drumstick with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear (not pink or red), that’s a strong sign your chicken is done. Pink juices usually mean the chicken needs a bit more time.
3. The Drumstick Wiggle Test
Another simple trick is to try and wiggle the drumstick. When cooked, the meat should easily pull away from the bone, and the joint should move freely. If it’s still a bit stiff or the meat clings tightly to the bone, it likely needs more time.
4. Crispy Skin & Golden Color
You want a nice, golden-brown, and slightly crispy skin. If the drumsticks are still pale or have a soft texture, they likely need a little more time to cook. A quick broil or extra grill time can help achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
5. Timing (General Guide)
- Grilling: Cook drumsticks over medium heat for about 30–40 minutes, turning every 7–8 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Baking: Bake at 425°F for about 35–45 minutes. You can also finish them under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp up the skin.
Pro Tip:
If you're cooking drumsticks with BBQ sauce, brush it on during the last 5–10 minutes of cooking to avoid burning the sauce while allowing the chicken to finish cooking through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway through. Broil for the last few minutes for extra crispy skin.
Absolutely! Marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Use a mix of oil, spices, vinegar, or citrus for a flavorful base.
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Add sauce during the final 5 minutes.
Leave the skin on if you want crispy texture and more flavor. If you're aiming for a lighter option, you can remove it, but it may dry out more easily.
How to Store BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the air fryer to keep the skin crispy.
If you want to freeze them, you can do that as well. Just freeze the cooked chicken drumsticks in a Ziploc freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the oven.
Recipe Card
The BBQ Chicken Drumsticks (You’ll Dream About:)
Ingredients
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Ingredients
- 8 lbs. chicken drumsticks
Chicken Seasoning
- 1 tbsp. Mrs. Dash seasoning
- 1 tbsp. Smokehouse Maple seasoning
- ½ tbsp. garlic salt
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- ¼ tsp. ground pepper
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions
How to Marinate Chicken Drumsticks
- Let’s prep the chicken first. Start by removing the skin from the drumstick pieces. This is optional, but we as a family prefer it since we don’t like the skin. It’s up to you to do it according to your family’s preference.
- Next, place them into a large bowl and fill it with water so that all the chicken is covered in water. Let the chicken soak for an hour or two.
- Drain the water and fill it up again. Pour into a strainer and rinse the chicken under running water. Leave drumsticks in the strainer for a bit for the excess water to drain.
- Meanwhile, measure out all the seasonings on a large plate or a small bowl, then mix them together.
- Next, transfer the drumsticks into a large bowl with a lid. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle drumsticks with seasoning then add barbecue sauce to it.
- Mix together so the drumsticks are well coated with seasoning and barbecue sauce.
- Close the lid tight and place it into the refrigerator to marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
How to Grill BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Time to grill the chicken! Grease the grill rack with oil so the drumsticks don’t stick to them. Heat grill to 400 degrees F grill setting.
- Place drumsticks onto the rack and let them grill for about 20 minutes over a low fire or 400 F. Personally, I like the meat to cook slowly so it’s nice and well done inside, but you may grill however you like them. Save the leftover sauce in the bowl.
- Turn drumsticks over, slather some of the leftover sauce from the marinating bowl and let them grill for another 20 minutes.
- In addition, continue to brush the drumsticks with more sauce until it runs out.
- Remove from the grill when done. Your delicious Chicken Drumsticks are ready to be served!
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This recipe was originally posted on May 18, 2016 (original picture below), and updated for a better reader experience. The post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
Melissa Crawford says
Hi I came across this recipe and it’s amazing. With the prices at the grocery store using drums are cost efficient. I made a slit in drums and put chopped garlic in and pulled skin back over. Yum yum yum!!!
Valya's Taste of Home says
Hi Melissa! I glad to hear you like the recipe. Thank you for sharing your feedback! 🙂
Devorah says
What does the soaking in water do for the drumsticks. Can I skip it if I don’t have time?
www.valyastasteofhome.com says
You sure can skip this part if you'd like.
Tanya says
Thanks for wonderful recipe! Can I bake it instead of grilling? And what setting do you think? Thank you!
valyastasteofhome.com says
Hi Tanya! You sure can. I do it all the time during the cold winter days. Bake it in the oven for 30 - 35 minutes at 425 F. Glaze chicken with BBQ sauce and bake it for 5 more minutes. Enjoy!
Connie says
My husband loved the sauce. Myself too! We will use it on ribs too! However I would turn down the grill to 375 degrees and 15 min on each side.
valya'stasteofhome.com says
That's awesome! It depends on the size of the the drummies. The ones I used were pretty big. Thank you for your feedback! 🙂
Karly says
Now this just screams summertime. Love love love that juicy marinade and crispy grilled finish! A must-try, for sure!
valya'stasteofhome.com says
For sure! Thank you for stopping by and commenting Karly. 🙂