Enjoy the deliciousness of my Grilled Chicken Drumsticks! These budget-friendly drumsticks soak up seasonings beautifully, giving you juicy, perfectly charred bites every time. Perfect for any occasion, they’re an easy and tasty addition to your grilling lineup.
My recipe costs around $5.56 to make. It makes eight servings, which costs about $0.70 per serving.
This Grilled Chicken Drumsticks recipe is a game-changer for busy moms seeking a delicious, hassle-free meal. The simplicity of grilling the drumsticks directly on the grates and turning them every few minutes makes this a no-fuss option. Ready in a flash and bursting with flavor, these drumsticks are a surefire hit that will leave your family craving more.
Table of Contents
Why I Love These Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward grilling make this recipe perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful Rub: The chicken rub adds a delicious, savory flavor that enhances the drumsticks’ natural taste.
- Crispy Exterior: Patting the drumsticks dry and coating them with olive oil results in a crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults, these drumsticks are a crowd-pleaser for any meal.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost: $5.56
- 8-12 chicken drumsticks, about 2 pounds – $4.29
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil – $0.24
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed – $0.14
- 2 Tablespoons fine sea salt – $0.36
- 1 Tablespoon paprika – $0.11
- ½ Tablespoons cracked black pepper – $0.08
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin – $0.06
- 2 teaspoons onion powder – $0.18
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder – $0.08
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, more if you like – $0.02
The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed and will vary based on fluctuating grocery costs. To learn more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained. The pricing for this recipe was updated in July 2024.
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Meat Thermometer
How To Make Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Prepare Drumsticks
- Combine all spices in a small bowl to make your chicken seasoning blend.
- Pat chicken drumsticks dry with a paper towel and place them in a bowl.
- Coat drumsticks in olive oil, then generously coat them with the seasoning rub.
Grill Drumsticks and Serve
- Place drumsticks directly on the grill grates of a grill heated to 450°F or medium-high heat.
- Turn them every 4-5 minutes while cooking. Grill until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.
Cooking Tips
I highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer for the juiciest and perfectly cooked grilled chicken drumsticks. My favorite is the Thermapen ONE. This tool allows you to accurately monitor the internal temperature of the drumsticks, ensuring they reach the safe temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone, to get the most accurate reading. This simple step guarantees tender, flavorful drumsticks every time, taking the guesswork out of grilling and ensuring your chicken is safe to eat.
Recipe FAQs
When talking about chicken legs, both the drumstick and the thigh are included. The chicken drumsticks are only the drumstick.
Yes. They will take longer to cook, so be sure to use a thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. You don’t have to be an expert on how to grill chicken legs to execute this recipe.
Cooking times will vary based on the size of the drumsticks. Use a thermometer for best practice.
Yes. Make the seasoning blend and coat your chicken up to 24 hours before you’re ready to grill. Store them in the refrigerator until then.
Grilled Potatoes in Foil and Ambrosia Salad with Cool Whip are my favorite sides for these chicken drumsticks.
Storage Tips
SERVE: These grilled chicken drumsticks are good with various side dishes, including grilled corn on the cob.
STORE: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They will last up to four days.
REHEAT: Heat leftovers in the oven or microwave until just warm to prevent them from drying out.
Recipe Variations
- I use light brown sugar for this recipe, but you can substitute it with dark brown sugar.
- Add more or less cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend, depending on your preferred spice level.
- Sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper are my favorites for this recipe, but you can use regular salt and ground black pepper if that is what you already have and want to use.
More Grill Recipes
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Recipe Cost 5.56 Serving Cost 0.70Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- small mixing bowl
Ingredients
CHICKEN:
- 8-12 chicken drumsticks about 2 pounds
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
SEASONING: **see notes
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 Tablespoons fine sea salt
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- ½ Tablespoons cracked black pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper more if you like
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, 450°F.
- Combine the chicken rub in a small bowl.
- Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel.
- Coat the drumsticks with olive oil and season generously with the chicken rub.
- Lay the drumsticks directly on the grill grates, turning them every 4-5 minutes while cooking. Cook time will vary depending on the size of your drumsticks. The drumsticks are done when the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches 165° F.
- Serve immediately.
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