Juicy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe: Smoky Backyard Magic

Sizzling grilled chicken drumsticks tantalize taste buds with their irresistible smoky allure.

Juicy meat encased in a perfectly charred exterior promises a mouthwatering experience for anyone craving bold flavors.

These protein-packed delights refine ordinary meals into memorable culinary adventures.

Marinades work magic, infusing each bite with complex, layered seasonings that dance across your palate.

Grilling techniques unlock deep, caramelized notes that elevate simple poultry to restaurant-quality status.

Outdoor cooking becomes an art form when these drumsticks hit the grates.

Summer gatherings or weeknight dinners benefit from this crowd-pleasing protein that combines simplicity with gourmet flair.

How to Grill Chicken Drumsticks Like a Pro

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Fresh garlic cloves
• Harissa paste
• Ground nutmeg
• Sumac spice
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Lime juice
• Olive oil

Blend ingredients until smooth and runny.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry using paper towels.

Lightly season drumsticks with salt and pepper.

Place drumsticks in large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Coat Chicken With Marinade

Pour blended marinade over drumsticks.

Massage marinade thoroughly under chicken skin.

Add sliced onions to bowl.

Ensure each drumstick is completely coated.

Step 4: Marinate Chicken

Cover bowl with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for four hours or overnight.

For quick preparation, let sit at room temperature 30 minutes.

Step 5: Fire Up The Grill

Preheat outdoor grill to medium temperature.

Remove drumsticks from marinade.

Shake off excess liquid.

Arrange drumsticks in single layer on grill.

Step 6: Cooking Drumsticks

Close grill cover.

Rotate drumsticks every 8 minutes.

Cook approximately 35-40 minutes.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Discard used marinade and onions.

Plate hot drumsticks.

Pair with favorite side dishes.

Provide plenty of napkins for messy eating.

Helpful Tips for Juicy Chicken Drumsticks

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Allow chicken to marinate overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense taste profiles.
• Perfect Grill Temperature: Maintain medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, creating juicy meat with crispy exterior.
• Manage Moisture Balance: Pat chicken completely dry before marinating to help seasoning adhere better and promote optimal skin crispiness.
• Strategic Turning Technique: Rotate drumsticks consistently during grilling to develop uniform char and prevent uneven cooking spots.
• Safety First Approach: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing chicken is thoroughly cooked without drying out.

How to Keep Grilled Drumsticks Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store cooled drumsticks in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Sealed properly, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap individual drumsticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to three months when sealed correctly.
• Reheating: Warm drumsticks in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Drizzle a tablespoon of chicken broth over the meat to prevent drying out and restore moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for safe consumption.

Best Pairings for Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the rich, spicy harissa marinade, refreshing your palate with bright citrus notes.
• Complement with Mediterranean Sides: Serve alongside cool tzatziki, herbed couscous, or a tangy Israeli salad to echo the North African and Middle Eastern flavor profile of the drumsticks.
• Match with Cooling Beverage: A mint-infused iced tea or sparkling water with cucumber slices helps balance the warmth of sumac and harissa, providing a smooth counterpoint to the grilled chicken's intensity.
• Create Textural Contrast: Add crispy roasted vegetables like charred bell peppers or grilled eggplant to introduce a crunchy element that contrasts with the tender, juicy drumsticks.

Flavor Ideas for Your Next Chicken Drumstick Meal

• Spicy Harissa Honey Glaze: Modify the marinade by adding honey and increasing harissa for a sweet-hot kick that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary and oregano, incorporate crushed fennel seeds for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Citrus Zest Drumsticks: Swap lime juice for orange and grapefruit juice, adding orange zest and fresh mint to create a bright, refreshing marinading approach.
• Smoky Paprika Drumsticks: Introduce smoked paprika and a touch of cumin to the marinade, giving the chicken a deeper, more complex smoky undertone that complements the grilling process.

What Makes Grilled Chicken Drumsticks So Satisfying

• Burst with Bold Flavors: The harissa paste, sumac, and nutmeg create a complex, vibrant spice profile that transforms ordinary chicken drumsticks into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Master Marinading Magic: The overnight marinating technique allows deep flavor penetration, ensuring every bite is packed with incredible taste and tenderness while keeping the meat incredibly juicy.
• Hassle-Free Grilling Delight: With simple preparation steps and straightforward grilling instructions, this recipe offers a foolproof method for achieving perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality chicken that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Quick and Versatile Meal Solution: Ready in under an hour, these drumsticks work perfectly for casual weeknight dinners, weekend barbecues, or impromptu gatherings, making meal planning a breeze.

Must-Have Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Large, meaty pieces perfect for grilling with rich flavor and satisfying texture.

• Harissa Paste: Spicy North African chili paste that adds deep, complex heat and color to the chicken.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps distribute spices and creates a smooth, rich marinade base.

• Garlic Cloves: Provides intense, pungent flavor that complements the chicken's richness.
• Lime or Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps tenderize the meat.
• Ground Nutmeg: Warm, slightly sweet spice that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Sumac: Tangy, lemony Middle Eastern spice that brings a vibrant, zesty note.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that adds a subtle, herbal undertone to the marinade.

• Red Onion: Adds sharp, sweet crunch and additional depth to the grilled dish.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the recipe.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild heat and completes the seasoning profile.

Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Smoky grilled chicken drumsticks bring Mediterranean zest to your summer table. Marinated in herbs and olive oil, these juicy drumsticks promise a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 20 large chicken drumsticks (about 5 pounds or 2.27 kilograms)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 6 tablespoons harissa paste
• 15 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons sumac
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Liquid and Aromatic Ingredients:

• 2 large limes or lemons, juiced
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large red onion, sliced

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending garlic, harissa paste, nutmeg, sumac, thyme, citrus juice, and olive oil into a smooth, fluid mixture using a food processor.
2. Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry with paper towels, applying a light seasoning of salt and pepper.
3. Generously coat drumsticks with the prepared marinade, massaging the mixture thoroughly underneath the skin to maximize flavor absorption.
4. Incorporate sliced onions into the marinating chicken, ensuring even distribution of aromatics.
5. Transfer drumsticks and marinade to a sealed container or zip-top bag, allowing flavors to meld in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours or preferably overnight.
6. Remove chicken from refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before grilling to reach ambient temperature.
7. Ignite the outdoor grill, establishing a consistent medium heat zone for even cooking.
8. Arrange drumsticks across the grill grates, carefully removing excess marinade to prevent flame flare-ups.
9. Close grill lid and rotate drumsticks every eight minutes, maintaining consistent heat exposure.
10. Continue grilling for approximately 35-40 minutes until chicken reaches complete internal doneness.
11. Discard used marinade and onions to prevent potential cross-contamination.
12. Plate the succulent grilled drumsticks alongside complementary side dishes and preferred condiments, providing ample napkins for a messy, delightful meal.

Notes

• Preserve marinade flavors by massaging spices deep into chicken skin for maximum taste absorption.
• Refrigeration transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed culinary experience, allowing harissa and herbs to deeply penetrate meat fibers.
• Grill technique ensures even cooking, creating crispy exterior while maintaining juicy, tender chicken interior with strategic turning every few minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg