Mastering Drumsticks On A Grill Pan

Grilled chicken drumsticks are a delicious, juicy, and tender treat that is perfect for any summer cookout or party. They are easy to make and only require a few simple steps. The key to getting them just right is to grill them slowly over indirect heat, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will give you perfectly cooked drumsticks without burning or drying them out. You can also add a BBQ spice rub or sauce to give them a sticky, finger-licking glaze. So, fire up your grill and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering grilled chicken drumsticks!

Preparing the grill and drumsticks

First, you'll want to preheat your grill to the right temperature. For grilling drumsticks, a lower temperature is best—aim for around 350°F to 450°F. This will ensure the meat cooks through without burning the skin. If you're using a charcoal grill, you can create two zones by piling the charcoal on one side of the grill, allowing for both direct and indirect heat.

While the grill is heating up, prepare your chicken drumsticks. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. You can also trim off any excess skin and loose bones, especially in the joint area. Then, rub the chicken legs with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This will help the spices stick to the chicken and ensure crispy skin.

Next, it's time to season the drumsticks. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Be sure to season generously, and don't forget to get under the skin for optimal flavour.

Once your drumsticks are prepared and your grill is preheated, it's time to oil the grill grates. Use tongs to dip a paper towel in vegetable oil and coat the grates. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking.

Now you're ready to place the drumsticks on the grill. For charcoal grills, place them directly over the heat source. For gas grills, simply arrange them evenly on the grill grates. Cook the drumsticks for about 10 minutes on one side, then flip them over with tongs. Be gentle so you don't tear the skin.

Keep the lid closed as much as possible during cooking to trap the heat inside. For charcoal grills, you may need to adjust the vents to regulate the temperature. For gas grills, aim for a surface temperature of about 450°F.

Cook the drumsticks for a total of 25-35 minutes, flipping them every 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye out for flare-ups, and move the chicken away from direct flames if needed.

Finally, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the drumsticks. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, but for more tender meat, you can cook them to 180°F-185°F. This higher temperature will ensure the connective tissue melts, resulting in juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken.

Grill temperature

The ideal grill temperature for chicken drumsticks is around 350°F to 450°F. This is a lower-than-average grill temperature, ensuring the meat is cooked through without burning the skin.

For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat, around 400°F. For a charcoal grill, you will need to adjust the vent settings to control the oxygen flow and create a medium heat of around 450°F.

When cooking, keep the lid closed as much as possible. This will help the heat surround the chicken, almost like roasting it.

Cook the drumsticks for about 10 minutes on each side, using tongs to turn them gently. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F, but for darker meat, you can cook it to 180°F or 185°F for more tender meat.

If you are using BBQ sauce, only brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking. This will help prevent the skin from burning.

Cooking time and technique

The cooking time for grilled chicken drumsticks varies depending on the size of the drumsticks and the accuracy of your grill, but it typically takes around 30-45 minutes to grill them properly. The key to achieving the perfect grilled chicken drumsticks is maintaining a consistent grill temperature and regularly flipping the drumsticks to ensure even cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you master the technique:

• Preheat your grill: Before you begin, make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat setting, aiming for a surface temperature of around 400°F to 450°F.
• Prepare the chicken drumsticks: Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. You can also trim any excess skin and loose bones/tissue, especially in the joint area.
• Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the chicken drumsticks and rub it all over to ensure an even coating. Next, apply your chosen seasoning or spice rub. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or create a custom spice blend with ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder.
• Grilling technique: Place the seasoned drumsticks on the preheated grill and cook for about 5-10 minutes on each side, flipping regularly to create grill marks and prevent burning. If you are using a charcoal grill, create two zones by preparing the charcoal on one side of the grill only. Start by cooking the chicken directly over the heat source, and then move the pieces to the cooler side of the grill to finish cooking.
• Maintain consistent temperature: Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible during cooking to stabilize the temperature and create an even cooking environment. For gas grills, aim for a surface temperature of 450°F, while for charcoal grills, maintain a temperature of around 350°F.
• Monitor for flare-ups: Flare-ups can be common when grilling chicken drumsticks due to the dripping fat. Keep a close eye on the grill and adjust the heat if necessary. If you notice any flare-ups, turn down the heat and move the chicken away from the direct flames.
• Check internal temperature: The best way to ensure your chicken drumsticks are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. However, for optimal texture and tenderness, aim for an internal temperature of 180°F to 185°F.
• Add BBQ sauce: If you want to add a sticky, sweet glaze to your drumsticks, brush them with BBQ sauce during the final few minutes of grilling. Adding the sauce earlier in the cooking process may increase the chances of the skin burning.
• Resting: Once your drumsticks have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Storing leftovers: Grilled chicken drumsticks can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in the oven until the skin crisps up and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to grilling. With these tips and techniques, you'll be on your way to becoming a grill master, serving up delicious and juicy grilled chicken drumsticks every time!

Adding sauce

When adding sauce to your drumsticks, it's best to wait until the last few minutes of grilling to brush it on. This will help to prevent the skin from burning and turning black. You can also add more sauce after the drumsticks have been removed from the grill and allowed to rest for a few minutes.

If you're looking for a more glazed finish, you can try brushing the chicken with honey or hot honey. This will give the drumsticks a sweet and spicy kick.

Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature before serving. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

Grilled chicken drumsticks are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes to make a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your grilled drumsticks:

• Grilled vegetables: Try grilling some zucchini, corn on the cob, French fries, stuffed tomatoes, or mixed vegetables alongside your drumsticks.
• Salads: A fresh garden salad with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, and feta cheese is a great option to balance out the meal. You could also try a BLT pasta salad, a broccoli salad, or a cowboy caviar salad.
• Starchy sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, mini Hasselback potatoes, or crispy fries are always a good choice. You could also try coconut rice or corn casserole pudding for something a little different.
• Other grilled meats: If you're feeding a crowd, why not grill up some other meats too, such as pork kebabs, rack of lamb, or bruschetta chicken?
• Dips and sauces: Serve your drumsticks with a side of BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Other sides: Try parmesan green beans, honey sriracha Brussels sprouts, or roasted sweet potatoes.

Remember, grilled chicken drumsticks are a great choice for a weeknight dinner as they are affordable, versatile, and can be served with a variety of sides to suit everyone's tastes!

Frequently asked questions