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The Best Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs: Juicy Charred Drumsticks with Perfect Grill Marks

These grilled BBQ chicken drumsticks are the ultimate crowd-pleaser with tender, flavorful meat and authentic smoky char. The recipe features a perfect balance of seasoning, proper grilling technique, and expertly timed barbecue sauce application for maximum flavor without burning.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 8-10 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup your favorite barbecue sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag
  2. Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl to create a uniform spice blend
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to coat evenly, then sprinkle the dry rub mixture over the drumsticks making sure to cover all sides thoroughly
  4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) and create a two-zone fire with hot coals on one side and no coals on the other
  6. Place drumsticks on the hot side of the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until achieving nice grill marks
  7. Move chicken to the cooler side of the grill, close the lid, and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes turning occasionally until internal temperature reaches 165°F
  8. In the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, brush drumsticks with barbecue sauce mixture (barbecue sauce mixed with apple cider vinegar and honey) applying multiple thin layers
  9. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F. Don't apply barbecue sauce too early to prevent burning. Let chicken cook undisturbed for perfect grill marks. Marinate for 2-4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.