Unlock the secrets to grilling the most succulent and flavorful BBQ chicken drumsticks and thighs, perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a weekend warrior, this recipe guarantees tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, smoky dry rub, flawlessly cooked over the irresistible heat of a gas or charcoal grill. Prepare for that coveted charred edge and a taste that will have everyone reaching for more, making it an instant hit for weeknight meals, festive gatherings, or backyard cookouts.
Elevate your grilling experience by pairing this exquisite BBQ chicken with a selection of classic, comforting sides. From creamy coleslaw to hearty baked beans, these accompaniments are designed to complement the smoky notes of your grilled chicken perfectly. Discover more delicious ideas, including how to grill chicken wings on a gas or charcoal grill, for a truly unforgettable feast. And don’t forget these essential pairings:
- Creamy Southern Coleslaw
- Tangy Vinegar-Based Coleslaw (No Mayo)
- Soul Food Potato Salad
- Hearty Southern Baked Beans with Bacon
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients for Irresistible BBQ Chicken
Crafting mouthwatering grilled BBQ chicken begins with selecting the right components. This recipe focuses on simple yet powerful ingredients that deliver maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: These dark meat cuts are perfect for grilling due to their higher fat content, which keeps them moist and flavorful even under high heat. They are also incredibly versatile and economical.
- Soy Sauce: A secret weapon for marinades, soy sauce not only adds a savory, umami depth but also helps tenderize the chicken. It acts as a fantastic base for absorbing other flavors.
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener: This provides a crucial balance to the smoky and savory notes, creating a delightful caramelization on the chicken’s exterior as it grills. Use brown sugar for a classic taste or a sweetener for a lower-carb alternative.
- BBQ Sauce: While optional, a good BBQ sauce creates a sticky, flavorful glaze that truly defines BBQ chicken. Choose your favorite brand or homemade version to customize the taste profile.
- BBQ Rub, Chicken Rub, or Individual Spices: This is where the bold, smoky flavor truly shines. A pre-made rub offers convenience, but a custom blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder allows for precise control over the spice level and aroma. Smoked paprika, in particular, enhances the grilled flavor even before it hits the grates.
The Power of Marinating: To Boost Flavor or Not?
The question of whether to marinate chicken is a common one. While not strictly necessary for this recipe, marinating your chicken drumsticks and thighs will undeniably elevate their flavor and tenderness to a new level. If time allows, we highly recommend this step.
Marinating involves soaking the chicken in a flavorful liquid, allowing the meat to absorb spices, acids, and other ingredients. This process not only infuses the chicken with a deeper, more complex taste profile but also helps to break down muscle fibers, resulting in a significantly more tender and juicy final product. Our Grilled Chicken Seasoning recipe, for instance, includes a fantastic marinade that works wonders.
For those days when you’re short on time, you can still achieve delicious results by simply applying the dry rub directly to the chicken. However, if you opt to skip the marinating step, remember to omit the soy sauce from the ingredient list, as its primary purpose here is as a marinade component.
Crafting the Perfect BBQ Chicken Seasoning
The heart of any great BBQ chicken lies in its seasoning. A well-balanced rub creates a flavorful crust, locks in moisture, and introduces those irresistible smoky notes. For this recipe, we recommend a simple yet impactful blend that you can easily customize to your liking.
Our go-to combination includes:
- Smoked Paprika: Delivers a deep, smoky color and flavor that is essential for BBQ.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a foundational aromatic taste.
- Onion Powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the garlic.
- Chili Powder: Offers a hint of warmth and complexity without being overly spicy.
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener: Crucial for caramelization and balancing the savory spices.
Feel free to adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your preference. For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added. Alternatively, if you prefer convenience, a high-quality store-bought chicken or poultry rub can be used. When choosing a commercial rub, look for one that boasts a good balance of sweet, savory, and smoky elements to ensure a delicious outcome.
Step-by-Step: How to Grill BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs
Grilling perfect BBQ chicken is an art, but one that is easily mastered with a few key steps. These instructions will guide you through achieving that crispy skin, tender interior, and irresistible smoky flavor. Detailed measurements and full instructions are provided in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken drumsticks and thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the rub adhere better and promotes crispier skin. Generously apply your chosen BBQ rub (and marinade, if you’re using one) to all surfaces of the chicken, ensuring an even coat. If marinating, allow adequate time as described above.
- Preheat Your Grill: Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, preheating is crucial. Aim for a medium-high heat, typically around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean your grill grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
- Place Chicken on the Grill: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on the preheated grill, ensuring they have enough space between them for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the grill, as this can lower the temperature and lead to steaming rather than grilling.
- Grill to Perfection: Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it reaches the desired internal temperature. The exact cooking time will vary based on your grill and the thickness of the chicken. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning, especially with the sugar in the rub.
- Glaze with BBQ Sauce (Optional): In the final stage of cooking, brush a generous layer of your favorite BBQ sauce over the chicken. This creates a beautiful, caramelized glaze. Continue grilling for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to set and slightly char, enhancing its flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. This vital step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Gas Grill vs. Charcoal Grill: Which is Best for BBQ Chicken?
Choosing between a charcoal grill and a gas grill often comes down to personal preference, convenience, and the desired flavor profile. Both methods can produce delicious BBQ chicken, but they each offer distinct advantages and considerations. You can successfully use either for this recipe, and I often opt for the convenience of a gas grill.
Charcoal Grill: The Flavor Champion
- Unmatched Smoky Flavor: Charcoal grills impart a distinct, deep smoky flavor that is difficult to replicate with gas. This comes from the burning charcoal and any added wood chips, creating a truly authentic BBQ experience.
- High Heat Searing: Charcoal can reach incredibly high temperatures, perfect for achieving a beautiful, crispy char on the chicken’s exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
- Engaging Experience: Many grilling enthusiasts enjoy the ritual of lighting charcoal, managing the flames, and the hands-on nature of charcoal grilling.
- Temperature Control Challenge: While rewarding, maintaining a consistent temperature on a charcoal grill requires more practice and attention. It involves managing airflow through vents and the amount of charcoal.
- Longer Prep Time: Charcoal grills generally take longer to heat up and get to the right cooking temperature, as you need to wait for the charcoal to ash over.
- Cleanup: Dealing with ash after cooking can be a bit messier than with a gas grill.
Gas Grill: The Convenience King
- Superior Convenience: Gas grills are incredibly easy to use. With push-button ignition, they light quickly, and you can start cooking almost immediately.
- Precise Temperature Control: Gas grills offer excellent temperature control with the turn of a knob, allowing you to easily adjust the heat and maintain a consistent cooking environment. This is ideal for recipes that require specific temperatures or indirect cooking.
- Faster Preheating: They heat up much faster than charcoal grills, making them a great option for spontaneous weeknight dinners.
- Less Mess, Easier Cleanup: Gas grills produce minimal ash and residue, making cleanup a breeze.
- Consistent Results: Their consistent heat makes it easier to achieve repeatable results, which is great for beginners or those who prefer reliability.
- Fuel Management: While convenient, running out of propane can halt your grilling plans! Always ensure you have a full tank or a spare on hand. Natural gas grills offer continuous fuel, eliminating this concern.
Ultimately, the best grill for your BBQ chicken depends on your priorities. If deep smoky flavor and a traditional grilling experience are paramount, go for charcoal. If speed, convenience, and precise temperature control are your main concerns, a gas grill will serve you well.
Expert Tips and Frequently Asked Questions for Grilled Chicken
Achieving perfectly grilled BBQ chicken goes beyond just following a recipe; it involves understanding key techniques and common questions. Here are some expert tips and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your chicken turns out finger-licking good every time.
For grilling chicken drumsticks and thighs, heating your grill to a medium-high temperature, typically between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-205 degrees Celsius), is ideal. This temperature range is crucial because it’s hot enough to create that delicious crispy skin and beautiful char without burning the exterior before the inside is fully cooked. If your grill is too hot, the sugar in your BBQ rub or sauce can quickly caramelize and then burn, leading to a bitter taste and a black crust. If it’s too cool, the chicken might dry out before the skin crisps up. Remember to create direct and indirect heat zones on your grill for more control, allowing you to move chicken to a cooler spot if it’s charring too quickly.
The most reliable way to determine if your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Visual cues can be misleading, but a thermometer guarantees food safety and optimal juiciness. Cooking times will vary significantly based on several factors: the thickness of your chicken pieces, whether they are bone-in or boneless, and the specific characteristics of your grill (its hot spots, consistency of heat). Getting to know your grill’s quirks will improve your grilling results over time. As a general guideline, always rely on your meat thermometer for accuracy:
- Drumsticks: Expect to grill for approximately 10-15 minutes per side.
- Bone-in Chicken Thighs: These typically require 7-10 minutes per side.
- Boneless Chicken Thighs: Being thinner, they cook faster, usually 5-7 minutes per side.
Always aim for the correct internal temperature, as detailed in the next section.
The golden rule for safe and delicious chicken is an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). Insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, making sure to avoid touching any bone, as bones heat up faster and can give a false reading. Once all parts of the chicken – breasts, thighs, wings, and drumsticks – reach this temperature, it is safe to eat.
Beyond temperature, there are other indicators:
- Appearance: Properly cooked chicken will have a beautiful golden-brown exterior, often with appealing char marks from the grill. The meat itself should appear opaque throughout, with no pink or translucent areas, especially around the bone for bone-in cuts.
- Juices: When you pierce bone-in chicken with a knife or fork, the juices that run out should be clear, not pink or cloudy.
- Texture: Cooked chicken should feel firm yet springy to the touch. If you press down gently with tongs or a fork, it should offer some resistance but still yield slightly. Undercooked chicken will feel soft and mushy, while overcooked chicken will feel dry, tough, and fibrous.
Applying BBQ sauce at the right time is crucial to achieve a beautiful glaze without burning the sugars in the sauce. Wait until the chicken is nearly cooked through – typically when it’s within 10-15 degrees of its target internal temperature. At this point, generously brush your favorite BBQ sauce onto each piece of chicken using a basting brush, ensuring both sides are evenly coated for maximum flavor and caramelization.
After applying the sauce, continue grilling the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. This brief period allows the sauce to caramelize and thicken into a sticky, flavorful glaze, sealing in juices and adding another layer of taste. Keep a close watch during this step, as the high sugar content in most BBQ sauces can burn quickly over direct heat.
This is perhaps one of the most overlooked yet critical steps in grilling any meat. Once you remove the chicken from the heat, resist the urge to cut into it immediately. Instead, allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows several beneficial processes to occur:
- Juice Redistribution: During cooking, the muscle fibers contract, pushing the meat’s natural juices towards the center. Resting allows these juices to redistribute throughout the entire piece of meat. This ensures that every bite is incredibly moist and juicy, rather than having all the juices run out onto your cutting board.
- Consistent Doneness: The internal temperature of the meat continues to rise slightly after it’s removed from the grill, a phenomenon known as “carry-over cooking.” Resting helps the temperature to even out throughout the meat. The outer layers, which cool faster, will absorb heat from the hotter interior, resulting in more consistent doneness from edge to center.
- Enhanced Tenderness: Allowing the muscle fibers to relax after the stress of cooking contributes to a more tender texture.
For best results, lightly tent the chicken with aluminum foil during the resting period to keep it warm without steaming the crispy skin.
Storing Leftover BBQ Chicken for Freshness
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious grilled BBQ chicken leftovers safely and deliciously. Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature (within two hours of cooking), transfer it to an airtight container. This prevents contamination and keeps the chicken from drying out. You can store your tightly sealed and covered leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to consume them within this timeframe. Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation for easy tracking.
Reheating Grilled Chicken: Methods for Optimal Taste
Reheating chicken without drying it out can be a challenge, but with the right method, you can enjoy juicy, flavorful leftovers. Here are several effective ways to reheat your grilled BBQ chicken:
- Oven: This is one of the best methods for retaining moisture and crispiness. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil. This gentle, indirect heat helps prevent the chicken from drying out. Reheat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Grill: Reheating on the grill can bring back some of that smoky flavor and crispy texture. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the chicken over indirect heat (the cooler side of the grill, away from direct flame). Close the grill lid and cook until warmed through, turning occasionally. This method is excellent for maintaining a slight char and avoiding excessive dryness.
- Stovetop: For a quick reheat, especially for smaller pieces, the stovetop can work. Place the chicken in a skillet or saucepan with a small amount of chicken broth or water. Cover the skillet to trap moisture and heat over medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed. The added liquid helps keep the chicken moist.
- Microwave: While convenient, the microwave is generally not the ideal method for reheating grilled chicken as it can easily dry out the meat and make the skin rubbery. If you must use it, place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, then check the temperature. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until warm. To help retain some moisture, you can place a damp paper towel over the chicken.
Freezing BBQ Chicken for Future Meals
Freezing your grilled BBQ chicken is an excellent way to prepare meals in advance and minimize food waste. To freeze leftovers, ensure they are completely cooled. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, or place them in heavy-duty freezer bags or airtight freezer-safe containers. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn.
You can store frozen chicken for 2-3 months while maintaining optimal taste and texture. Although it can technically be stored for longer periods, quality may degrade after this timeframe. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using your preferred method.
Perfect Pairings with Your BBQ Chicken
Complement your delicious BBQ chicken drumsticks and thighs with these irresistible side dishes:
- Creamy Potato Salad with Bacon
- Rich Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Discover More Grilled Recipes
Expand your grilling repertoire with these other fantastic recipes:
- Juicy Grilled Turkey Legs
- How to Grill Ribs on Charcoal or Gas Grill
- Flavorful Grilled Chicken Wings
- Delicate Grilled Cod in Foil
BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs on Gas or Charcoal Grill
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment
- Grill
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 5-6 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks I used 3 pounds of bone-in thighs and 3 pounds of drumsticks.
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or sweetener
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- BBQ sauce Optional
Instructions
- Optional Marinating: To infuse deeper flavor, combine the soy sauce and all of the spices. Drizzle this mixture over the chicken in a large bowl or a sealable plastic bag. Ensure all chicken pieces are well coated. Place the chicken in the fridge, covered, for a minimum of 30 minutes, or for best results, overnight.
If You Don’t Plan to Marinate: Simply pat the chicken dry and sprinkle the spices generously onto both sides of the chicken, rubbing them into the meat to create an even coating.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-205 degrees Celsius). While the grill heats, make sure the grates are thoroughly clean using a grill brush. Once clean, lightly oil them to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces on the preheated grill. Ensure there’s adequate space between each piece to allow for even cooking and proper charring. Grill for the following approximate times, keeping in mind that these are guidelines and actual times may vary:
Drumsticks: Will typically cook for about 10-15 minutes on each side.
Bone-in Chicken Thighs: Require approximately 7-10 minutes on each side.
Boneless Chicken Thighs: Will cook faster, usually 5-7 minutes on each side.
Cooking time will greatly depend on the thickness of the chicken and the specific heat distribution of your grill. Use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure an even, beautiful grill mark and thorough cooking on all sides.
- The most accurate way to confirm doneness is to use a reliable meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, away from the bone. The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Optional BBQ Sauce Glaze: Once the chicken is nearly cooked (approximately 10-15 degrees below 165°F), brush a generous amount of your favorite BBQ sauce onto each piece using a basting brush. Continue to grill for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. This crucial step allows the sugars in the sauce to caramelize, creating a rich, flavorful glaze and finishing the cooking process. Watch carefully to prevent the sauce from burning.
- After cooking, remove the chicken from the heat and transfer it to a clean platter or cutting board. Allow the meat to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring maximum moisture and tenderness in every bite. Lightly tenting with foil can help keep it warm.
Notes
The exact amount of spices and seasoning you will need may vary depending on the size and quantity of your chicken. Always use enough to ensure the meat is fully coated for maximum flavor.
While not essential, marinating the chicken will significantly enhance its flavor and tenderness. If you have the time, we highly recommend this step. Marinating allows the chicken to deeply absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final product.
If you choose not to marinate the chicken, simply omit the soy sauce from the ingredient list.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.