Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are flavorful chicken legs marinated in a homemade dry rub and BBQ sauce, grilled to perfection for a delicious and easy meal.
Author:Alex Lee
Prep Time:30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 50 minutes (including marinating)
Yield:4-6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Grilling
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chili powder or cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
4 pounds chicken legs
1 cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup apricot jam (or apple/grape jelly, orange marmalade for less sweetness)
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings and spices and lightly mix to combine to create the dry rub.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, rub in the dry rub evenly to all drumsticks, cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours (or overnight). Remove from fridge 30 minutes before grilling.
In a small saucepan, combine the BBQ sauce and jam, heat over medium-low until simmering, then simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Set aside.
Preheat the grill with half on high and half on medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.
Place chicken on the medium heat side, grill for about 5 minutes then flip and shuffle the positions of the drumsticks for even cooking.
When the chicken is about 80% done, baste with the BBQ sauce mixture and cook for another 2 minutes with the lid closed.
Flip the chicken, baste the other side, close the lid, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 2 more minutes).
Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or other toppings.
Notes
Make sure to let frozen chicken fully thaw before marinating.
Using a thermometer is crucial to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Feel free to adjust spices based on your heat preference.