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Easy BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Recipe with Smoky Sweet Dry Rub for Perfect Grilling

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An easy and quick BBQ chicken drumsticks recipe featuring a smoky sweet dry rub that creates a crispy, flavorful crust without the need for hours of marinating or sticky sauces. Perfect for grilling season and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds / 900 g), skin-on and bone-in
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt (kosher or sea salt preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all spices evenly.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks and rub to coat each piece lightly.
  4. Sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken, turning each drumstick so the rub clings to every surface. Press the spices gently into the skin.
  5. If time allows, let the drumsticks sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to help the rub penetrate and cook more evenly. Otherwise, grill immediately.
  6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F / 190–204°C). For charcoal grills, spread coals evenly; for gas grills, preheat with lid closed.
  7. Place chicken on the grill grates, skin side down. Grill for about 12-15 minutes per side, turning every 5 minutes to prevent burning and promote even cooking.
  8. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C). If unavailable, cut into one to check that juices run clear and meat is opaque.
  9. Remove drumsticks from the grill and let rest on a baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before applying rub for crispy skin. Grill at medium heat (375°F) and turn every 5 minutes to avoid burning the sugar in the rub. Let drumsticks rest after grilling to lock in juices. Dry rub can be prepared in advance and stored up to a month. For a milder version, reduce chili powder. Oven baking alternative: 425°F for 35-40 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken drumsticks, smoky sweet dry rub, grilled chicken, easy BBQ recipe, backyard grilling, quick chicken drumsticks

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