The BEST Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Crispy on the outside, fall-off-the-bone tender on the inside — these grilled chicken drumsticks are coated in a bold smoky spice rub and ready in under 40 minutes. The ultimate easy BBQ recipe for summer grilling season.
Ingredients
- 8–10 Chicken drumsticks Patted completely dry
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Or avocado oil
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika Do not substitute regular paprika if possible
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Onion powder
- ½ tsp Ground mustard
- ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper Reduce to a pinch for mild; increase to ½ tsp for extra heat
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- 1. Pat the drumsticks dry. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry each drumstick on all sides. This is essential for achieving crispy skin. Brush evenly with olive oil.2. Make the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until fully blended.3. Season the chicken. Gently loosen the skin on each drumstick and rub the spice mixture directly onto the meat underneath. Coat all outer surfaces as well. Let the drumsticks rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while the grill preheats.4. Preheat and prep the grill. Heat your grill to 400–450°F. Once hot, clean the grates with a grill brush. Use tongs and an oil-soaked paper towel to wipe down the grates so the chicken does not stick.5. Grill the drumsticks. Place the drumsticks on the oiled grill and close the lid. Cook for 25–30 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until the skin is deeply golden and the internal temperature reads 185°F on a meat thermometer.6. Rest before serving. Transfer drumsticks to a warm plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cook to 185°F, not just 165°F. Dark meat drumsticks become significantly more tender and juicy at higher temperature.
- Seasoning under the skin ensures flavor even for guests who remove the skin before eating.
- To reheat leftovers, place on a wire rack at 375°F for 12–15 minutes uncovered to keep the skin crispy.
- Drumsticks can be seasoned and refrigerated uncovered up to 24 hours in advance — the dry rub acts as a light dry brine and deepens the flavor.
- BBQ variation: Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce in the last 10 minutes of grilling and allow it to caramelize.
- Honey glaze variation: Drizzle with honey or hot honey in the final few minutes on the grill.