Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs (Drumsticks)

Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs are delicious, tender, and flavorful. Perfect for summer barbecues and backyard cookouts. So easy you’ll be making these all summer long.

There’s just something about grilled bbq chicken drumsticks that make dinner so tasty. It might be the slightly crispy skin, or the brown sugar bbq sauce slathered all over each piece of chicken. But it always amazes me that a simple chicken drumsticks recipe is always a winner for dinner. This tasty dish combines juicy chicken drumsticks with a homemade bbq sauce that is finger-licking good. Of course, you’ll need to grab the whole roll of paper towels for this delicious treat. Be sure to try this recipe for your next backyard bbq.

Recipe Origin

Summertime means grill time. Cooking on the grill is not hard, and I find it easier to fire up the grill than to cook in my oven. This is a wonderful time for friends and family to gather and enjoy some great-tasting food.

Why You Should Make Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs

This recipe is simple, and bbq drumsticks are the perfect finger food for backyard BBQs, picnics, and cookouts. They are grab-and-go food or add them to a plate with many sides, such as baked beans, coleslaw, or grilled corn. 

What About This Recipe is Fantastic

Grilled Drumsticks come together super fast, and they are inexpensive to make. This chicken takes about five minutes of prep work before going on the grill. You’ll only need to rinse the chicken, season it, and put it on the grill. That’s it! While the chicken is cooking, mix up a homemade barbecue sauce or use your favorite store brand—the ultimate summer (grilling) dish. This recipe is perfect for family/casual gatherings and summertime cookouts.

Why This Dish Works 

• Chicken legs are inexpensive and will feed a family on a budget.

• Most people, including children, love drumsticks.

• Flavorful. So much grilled flavor in every bite.

• Fast to make and delicious to eat.

• Great for feeding a hungry crowd or just your family.

• Perfect for game days, tailgating, picnics, cookouts, or poolside dinners.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

All of these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. You will only need basic ingredients for grilled chicken legs.

Chicken Legs: Skin-on chicken legs are the best for grilling.

Seasonings– simple is the way to go. Just a little of your favorites-garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper will do. Add more if desired.

BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite homemade or store-bought. I use this sweet & spicy sauce.

Steps to Make Chicken Drumsticks on the Grill

I used a gas grill for this recipe, but a charcoal grill would also work nicely. Use the grill you have, and it still is tasty.
This is a simple recipe and only a few simple steps for the most delicious bbq chicken drumsticks you and your family will love.

1. Preheat grill to 350 degrees.

2. Rinse chicken and place on a plate/platter or baking sheet. Make a dry rub and season with garlic, pepper, and seasonings of choice. 

3. Place on the grill and close the lid. Turn chicken every 7-10 minutes. Cook for about 35 minutes. The cook time of the chicken may vary according to the thickness and the heat of your grill. All grills cook differently, so using a thermometer is the best way to judge the doneness of your chicken. The chicken should have an internal temp of 175 degrees. While the chicken is cooking, make your homemade bbq sauce.

4. After 35 minutes, baste the top of the legs with bbq sauce, close the lid, and cook for 5 minutes. Next, flip the chicken and sauce again, close the lid, and cook for 5 more minutes. Done!

5. Remove chicken from the grill and enjoy—total cook time 45 minutes.

To check for doneness: With a knife, pierce the chicken to the bone. When the juices run clear, the meat is done. Also, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. You are looking for a temperature around 175-180 degrees for drumsticks.

BBQ Sauce for Grilled Chicken Legs

I like to use my Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce for grilled chicken legs. It’s sticky, sweet, and has a kick of heat. But I’m sure you have a favorite, and you can’t go wrong with that. 

The bbq sauce for this recipe is homemade, but use your favorite brand if desired. The bbq sauce adds savory, sweet, and a little heat. It’s simple to make and will kick the flavors up a notch. However, the sauce might be too hot if you serve this to children.
If you want to change up the flavor a little bit, make a homemade buffalo sauce. It would be fantastic.

Expert Tips and Variations for Grilling Chicken Drumsticks

I am cooking on a gas grill. Depending on the grill, heat, and cut of meat, the time may need to be adjusted. 

This chicken leg recipe uses simple ingredients and can be customized. This recipe works for dark meat as well as white meat; adjust the cooking time as needed.

Preheat the grill before adding the chicken. 

Use your favorite bbq sauce or make your homemade sauce.

Use seasonings as desired. I like garlic and lemon pepper on my chicken. 

Use chicken thighs, chicken breasts, or leg quarters instead of drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time. 

Add some oil to the grates before adding your meat. This will prevent the chicken from sticking.

Be sure to check the internal temp of the chicken in the thickest part of the meat for doneness.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container (or wrap in plastic wrap) in the refrigerator. These will last for 3-5 days. Then, reheat in a 350-degree oven until hot. My favorite way to eat leftover chicken drumsticks is cold-straight out of the refrigerator. 

Favorite Sides to Serve with Juicy Chicken Drumsticks

Pasta Salad

Honey Skillet Corn

Potato Salad

Creamy Coleslaw

Pasta Salads are great with anything grilled. Check out this Greek Pasta Salad or Classic Macaroni Salad for sure winners every time.

Other Main Dishes I Should Try:

Grilled Hamburgers

Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs

Bone-In Pork Chops

Honey Sriracha Chicken Wings

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

If my whole family agrees on something for dinner, it’s chicken. So here are a few chicken recipes that are popular and delicious.

Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe– This is the #1 top-rated recipe for dinner. Yes, they are great for game day and parties, but everyone gets excited for wing night. This is the Easiest Baked Buffalo Wings Recipe you could ever make. These wings are baked, not fried, and then tossed in a tasty wing sauce before hitting the table. Sure to be well received at your dinner table.

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders– Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect for dinner or appetizers. These are kid-approved and family-tested.

Marry Me Chicken– The chicken is juicy, the sauce is creamy, and the tomatoes give it a kick of spice. You need a few ingredients, one pan, and less than an hour to have dinner on the table from start to finish.

French Onion Chicken Bake– This French Onion Chicken Bake is one delicious dish! Only a few simple ingredients and a huge taste. Baked chicken covered in French onion dip, shredded cheese, and topped with crispy onions.

Chicken and Dumplings– This Easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe is pure southern comfort food. Made with chicken, broth, and canned biscuits. You can have dinner cooked and on the table in 30 minutes.

Easy Desserts for Backyard BBQs

Kool-Aid Pie – This Kool-Aid Pie (4 Ingredient No-Bake Recipe) is a delicious dessert for get-togethers, parties, and holidays—a favorite with kids and adults alike.

Red, White, and Blue Popsicles – Red, White, and Blue Popsicles are “popping” with flavor and are quite refreshing. These summer treats will keep you cool all season long. 

Fresh Homemade Peach Sauce – Peach Sauce is a super-fast topping for ice cream, cheesecake, or pancakes. This sauce adds terrific flavor to anything you serve it on.

Lemon Pudding Pie – This is a delicious triple-layer pie that only requires 8 minutes in the oven.  The pie is creamy and light. 

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