How-To Guides, How-To Barbecue

How to BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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Why BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Are a Grill Favourite

How to BBQ Chicken Drumsticks: Perfectly succulent BBQ chicken drumsticks are a barbecue favourite, offering incredible versatility for a wide range of rubs, marinades, and seasonings. Whether coated in a classic smoky BBQ rub, a spicy peri-peri glaze, or a tangy honey mustard marinade, chicken drumsticks absorb flavour beautifully and develop a crispy, golden-brown skin when grilled to perfection.

With juicy, tender meat wrapped in crispy, flavourful skin, they deliver a satisfying contrast in texture that’s a hit with all ages. Plus, they are quick to cook, affordable, and easy to prepare, making them a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser at any BBQ gathering.

Whether you’re grilling over charcoal for a smoky depth of flavour or cooking low and slow for extra tenderness, BBQ chicken drumsticks are a must-have addition to your barbecue lineup.

BBQ Chicken Drumstick Cooking Time

Barbecuing chicken drumsticks takes approximately 25–30 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill and the size of the drumsticks. Cooking them for too long can cause them to dry out and burn, while undercooking chicken can pose a food safety risk.

To ensure perfectly cooked, juicy drumsticks with crispy, golden skin, grill them over medium, indirect heat rather than placing them directly over flames or high heat, which can cause flare-ups and charring before the inside is fully cooked.

For the best results, aim for an internal temperature of 75°C in the thickest part of the drumstick. Using a meat thermometer, such as a Meater, ensures precision and food safety, eliminating the need for guesswork. If you don’t have a thermometer, check for clear juices running from the meat and ensure there’s no pink near the bone before serving.

Letting the drumsticks rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavourful.

How to Cook Chicken Drumsticks on the BBQ

  1. Prepare the Drumsticks – Pat dry to remove any excess moisture from the skin, and allow your chicken drumsticks to come to room temperature before cooking.
  2. Seasoning – Rub a little olive oil over the drumsticks and lightly season with salt and cracked black pepper. If you’re adding a BBQ rub, marinade, or spices, now is the best time to do so, ensuring the flavours penetrate the meat before grilling.
  3. Preheat the BBQ – You need good, even heat to cook drumsticks properly. Wait until the flames have completely subsided and the coals are burning a grey-white colour before cooking. If possible, raise the grill slightly to avoid exposing the chicken to excessive direct heat, which could burn the skin before the flesh is fully cooked.
  4. Grilling the Drumsticks – Place the drumsticks on the grill and turn them every 4–5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Cook for approximately 25–30 minutes until the skin is crisp and beginning to char in places.
  5. Check for Doneness – Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the drumstick – 75°C is the target for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
  6. Rest Before Serving – Once the drumsticks are cooked, remove them from the BBQ and place them on a warm plate to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavourful.

Top Tips for BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

  • No Thermometer? No Problem! – If you don’t have a meat thermometer, insert a skewer into the thickest part of the drumstick. If the juices run clear, the chicken is cooked through. If there’s any pinkness, continue cooking and check again after a few minutes.

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavour – Applying a marinade the night before enhances flavour and helps keep the chicken moist and tender. Whether you go for a spicy, smoky, or citrusy marinade, the options are limitless, so have fun experimenting!

  • Try a Spanish-Style Marinade – We love the simple yet bold flavours of a Spanish-inspired marinade: garlic, paprika, lemon, and oregano. This combination brings out the natural sweetness of the chicken and adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with BBQ grilling.

  • Avoid Excessive Direct Heat – Cooking over high, direct heat can cause the skin to burn before the inside is fully cooked. Use indirect heat or raise the grill slightly to allow the drumsticks to cook slowly and evenly.

  • Rest Before Serving – Letting the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes after grilling ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the meat succulent and full of flavour.

Shop the ingredients

For 15 years George worked in some of London’s most loved restaurants, including Padella and Primeur, and had a 5-year stint as Head Chef at the Garden Museum Café. George earned rave reviews for his simple, thoughtful cookery, his dishes were firmly rooted in the classics, and always paid homage to the produce. In 2021 George realised a long-held ambition and released his first cookbook entitled, A Year In The Kitchen. It celebrates the annual cookery cycle, taking readers on a journey through the British seasons, showcasing native produce, and inspiring year round creativity. In 2022 George left London behind, and moved back home to Yorkshire. His passion for seasonal cookery and reverence of quality British ingredients proved that for George, home is where the heart is. Like his food, George is led by the seasons, he’s open to new opportunities, and always following his heart.