These grilled chicken drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and packed with smoky flavor thanks to a simple homemade seasoning blend. The skin turns beautifully crisp on the grill while the meat stays tender and moist inside, no marinade required!
Best of all, chicken legs are one of the most budget-friendly cuts of chicken, making this an easy dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights, backyard BBQs, and summer cookouts.
What makes these grilled chicken legs irresistible
This recipe is one you'll reach for all summer long because it's made with simple pantry spices and comes together in minutes. There's no long marinade to plan ahead for, and the seasoning blend creates plenty of flavor with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight or tossing extra drumsticks on the grill for a backyard cookout, this recipe is easy to double, budget-friendly, and pairs with just about any of your favorite summer sides. It's the kind of dependable recipe you'll memorize after making it once or twice.
The BEST Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
- 8-10 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the spice ingredients.
- Pat the chicken legs with a paper towel.
- Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the spice ingredients over the chicken. Massage it in well. You want the chicken completely coated with the amazing spice mix.
- Preheat the grill to 350 degrees. Make sure your grill is clean! Lightly spray the grates with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add the chicken, grill for about 25 minutes total, flipping the chicken every 3-5 minutes so it doesn't burn.
- Chicken is done when the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Ingredients you'll need
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements.
- Chicken drumsticks, though you can bbq chicken legs, thighs or breasts as well. You'll need to adjust the cooking time.
- olive oil
- for the seasoning blend: garlic powder, onion powder, dried sage, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper
Test kitchen notes
- If you want to make bbq chicken drumsticks once the chicken has reached the temperature brush the legs generously with your favorite barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce or teriyaki sauce.
- You can add more flavor to the spice rub by adding a dash or two of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the chicken with the oil before you coat it in the seasonings.
- Dry mustard would make a great addition to the dry rub for this chicken leg recipe.
Step-by-step instructions
This is an overview of the instructions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
I recommend that you cook your drumsticks over indirect heat. This will prevent the outside skin from burning while the inside of the chicken cooks.
Most chicken legs take 25 to 35 minutes over medium heat (about 350°F), depending on their size and your grill. The best way to know they're done is to use an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the drumstick should reach 165°F.
Not necessary! This grilled chicken legs recipe is packed with flavor from a simple homemade seasoning blend, so there's no need to plan ahead for a marinade. Just coat the drumsticks with oil, season well, and they're ready for the grill.
Chicken drumsticks contain more fat than chicken breasts, so flare-ups can happen as the fat drips onto the flames. Keep the grill at medium heat, move the chicken away from direct flames if needed, and turn the drumsticks every few minutes for even cooking.
Deb's tips for great grilled chicken legs
Before you add the chicken to the grill, lightly oil the grates to help prevent sticking. Leave a little space between each drumstick so the heat can circulate evenly, and turn them every 4 to 5 minutes for beautifully browned, evenly cooked chicken.
Since cooking times can vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and your grill, use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
More recipes you'll love
- If you love grilled chicken, then next time you feel like firing up the grill for dinner give this Grilled Honey Glazed Chicken recipe a try!
- Ribs on the Grill are ALWAYS a hit - and this is the easiest recipe!
- The next time that you are craving some Asian inspiration in your meal, skip the restaurant takeout and make these Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers. They taste amazing and can you save money by eating at home.
Still looking for the right recipe for your next cookout? Check out Backyard Grill Mains, a collection of juicy burgers, smoky chicken, tender steaks, and other crowd-pleasing favorites made for outdoor cooking.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
- A side of Alabama White Sauce for dipping is great with the juicy chicken drumsticks!
- This Deviled Egg Potato Salad is my go-to recipe to serve for cookouts with the family. I love that I can prep it ahead so that I don't have to worry about a side dish while grilling the meat.
- These Grilled Potatoes and Vegetables in Foil are one of my favorite sides to make on the grill. You don't have to worry about dirtying more dishes when the foil and grill do the work.
- I don't know about you but Steamed Corn on the Cob just screams cookout side dish to me! And, they pair so well with this simple meal! You can never go wrong with a fresh side dish like this one.
Fire up the grill tonight
Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or just need an easy weeknight dinner, this grilled chicken legs recipe is one you'll come back to again and again. With simple pantry seasonings, juicy chicken, and crispy, golden skin, it's proof that delicious meals don't have to be complicated or expensive.
Grab a package of drumsticks, fire up the grill, and don't forget to come back and let me know how they turned out-I love hearing what's cooking in your kitchen!
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