Juicy and Easy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

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Juicy and Easy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Simple, Flavorful, and Perfect for Grilling Season

These BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are the ultimate addition to your summer cookout or any casual dinner. Made with just five simple ingredients, they’re tender, juicy, and perfectly glazed with sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. The recipe is easy to prepare, versatile, and offers options for grilling, baking, or air frying — so you can enjoy it any time of year.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings (2 drumsticks per serving)

  • 8 chicken drumsticks (skin on or off, as preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (such as Lawry’s or adobo seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 3 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the drumsticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning salt and garlic powder evenly over the chicken, tossing to coat all sides.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For best results, marinate overnight.

2. Prepare the BBQ Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, yellow mustard, and water until smooth. This mixture will help the sauce spread evenly and prevent burning during grilling.

3. Grill the Chicken

  • Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat.
  • Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  • Reduce the heat to low, place the drumsticks on the grill, and close the lid.
  • Cook the chicken, turning every few minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, for about 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F for the juiciest results.

4. Glaze and Finish

  • Brush the prepared BBQ sauce mixture over the chicken.
  • Continue grilling for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sauce caramelizes and the drumsticks are beautifully glazed.

Alternate Cooking Methods

Air Fryer Method:

  • Lightly oil the air fryer basket.
  • Arrange the drumsticks in a single layer.
  • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20–22 minutes, turning halfway through.
  • Brush with the BBQ sauce and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until caramelized.

Oven Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Arrange the drumsticks on a foil-lined baking sheet fitted with a rack.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 180°F.
  • Brush with BBQ sauce and bake for an additional 2–3 minutes.

Nutrition Information (per serving — 2 drumsticks)

  • Calories: 267 kcal
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7.5 g
  • Fat: 13.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 134.5 mg
  • Sodium: 357 mg
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Sugar: 4 g

Helpful Tips

  • For extra flavor: Use your favorite BBQ sauce blend — smoky, spicy, or sweet depending on your preference.
  • For even cooking: Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before grilling.
  • To prevent burning: Keep an eye on the grill temperature and brush on the BBQ sauce during the final minutes of cooking.

Enjoy these BBQ Chicken Drumsticks with your favorite summer sides like grilled corn, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

 

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