How Long to Grill Drumsticks (So They’re Juicy and Delicious!)

How Long Do You Grill Drumsticks?

The humble drumstick is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be grilled to perfection in a variety of ways. Whether you’re grilling them over charcoal, gas, or wood, there are a few things you need to know to make sure your drumsticks come out juicy and flavorful.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best way to grill drumsticks, including how long to cook them for, how to season them, and what sides to serve them with. So whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the information you need to know about grilling drumsticks!

Time Temperature Notes
30-35 minutes 375-400 degrees F Turn drumsticks every 10 minutes or so.
15-20 minutes 450 degrees F For a crispy skin, cook drumsticks skin-side up for the last 5-10 minutes.

Grilled drumsticks are a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. They are perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual weeknight meal. But how long do you grill drumsticks? The answer depends on a few factors, including the size and thickness of the drumsticks, the temperature of the grill, and the cooking method.

In this article, we will discuss the factors that affect grilling time and provide recommended grilling times for different types of drumsticks. We will also share tips for grilling drumsticks so that they come out perfectly cooked every time.

Factors Affecting Grilling Time

The following factors can affect the grilling time of drumsticks:

  • Drumstick size: Larger drumsticks will take longer to cook than smaller drumsticks.
  • Drumstick thickness: Thinner drumsticks will cook faster than thicker drumsticks.
  • Grill temperature: The higher the grill temperature, the faster the drumsticks will cook.
  • Cooking method: The cooking method you choose will also affect the grilling time.

Recommended Grilling Times

The following are recommended grilling times for different types of drumsticks:

  • Bone-in, skin-on drumsticks: 30-35 minutes
  • Boneless, skinless drumsticks: 20-25 minutes
  • Drumsticks marinated in a wet brine: 35-40 minutes
  • Drumsticks marinated in a dry rub: 30-35 minutes

Tips for Grilling Drumsticks

To grill drumsticks perfectly, follow these tips:

  • Preheat your grill to medium heat. This will help to prevent the drumsticks from burning.
  • Oil the drumsticks before grilling. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the grill grates.
  • Grill the drumsticks for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

Grilling drumsticks is a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your drumsticks come out perfectly cooked every time.

Additional Resources

  • [How to Grill Chicken Drumsticks](https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-grill-chicken-drumsticks-4585097)
  • [Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/219637/grilled-chicken-drumsticks/)
  • [Tips for Grilling Chicken Drumsticks](https://www.bbqaddicts.com/tips-for-grilling-chicken-drumsticks/)

How Long Do You Grill Drumsticks?

The cooking time for drumsticks will vary depending on the thickness of the drumsticks, the temperature of the grill, and your personal preference for doneness. However, a general rule of thumb is to cook drumsticks for 5-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are some additional tips for grilling drumsticks:

  • Preheat the grill to medium heat.
  • Oil the drumsticks before grilling. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
  • Grill the drumsticks for 5-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Baste the drumsticks with barbecue sauce or another flavorful sauce during grilling. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the drumsticks.
  • Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

Tips for Grilling Drumsticks

In addition to the general tips listed above, here are some specific tips for grilling drumsticks:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the drumsticks. This will ensure that they are cooked to the desired doneness.
  • Grill the drumsticks over indirect heat. This will help to prevent them from burning.
  • Baste the drumsticks with barbecue sauce or another flavorful sauce during grilling. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the drumsticks.
  • Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

Common Grilling Mistakes

There are a few common grilling mistakes that can be avoided when grilling drumsticks. These include:

  • Not preheating the grill. This can cause the drumsticks to stick to the grill and cook unevenly.
  • Not oiling the drumsticks. This can also cause the drumsticks to stick to the grill.
  • Overcooking the drumsticks. This can make the drumsticks tough and dry.
  • Not basting the drumsticks. This can help to keep the drumsticks moist and flavorful.
  • Not letting the drumsticks rest. This can cause the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

By avoiding these common grilling mistakes, you can ensure that your drumsticks will be cooked to perfection.

Grilling drumsticks is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your drumsticks will be cooked to perfection.

How long do you grill drumsticks?

The cooking time for drumsticks will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the desired doneness. For small drumsticks (about 1 inch thick), grill for 10-12 minutes per side over medium heat. For larger drumsticks (about 2 inches thick), grill for 12-15 minutes per side. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick and make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should I grill drumsticks?

The ideal grilling temperature for drumsticks is 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the drumsticks cook evenly and reach the desired doneness.

What type of grill should I use to grill drumsticks?

You can grill drumsticks on either a charcoal grill or a gas grill. If using a charcoal grill, make sure to build a hot fire and let it burn for about 15 minutes before adding the drumsticks. If using a gas grill, preheat the grill to medium heat.

What seasonings should I use on drumsticks?

There are many different seasonings that you can use on drumsticks, depending on your personal preference. Some popular seasonings for drumsticks include:

  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Brown sugar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Barbecue sauce

How can I make drumsticks more moist?

There are a few things you can do to make drumsticks more moist, including:

  • Marinating the drumsticks in a flavorful liquid before grilling.
  • Grilling the drumsticks over indirect heat.
  • Basting the drumsticks with a flavorful liquid while grilling.
  • Resting the drumsticks for a few minutes before serving.

What are some side dishes that go well with grilled drumsticks?

Some popular side dishes that go well with grilled drumsticks include:

  • Potato salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Mac and cheese
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Corn on the cob
  • Baked beans
  • Watermelon

How can I store leftover grilled drumsticks?

Leftover grilled drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat the drumsticks, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the drumsticks on the grill for a few minutes.

Grilled drumsticks are a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. They’re perfect for a summer cookout or a casual weeknight meal. To cook perfect grilled drumsticks, you’ll need to cook them for the right amount of time, at the right temperature, and with the right seasonings.

In this blog post, we’ve discussed how long to grill drumsticks, how to grill them to perfection, and what seasonings to use. We’ve also provided some tips for grilling drumsticks on a gas grill, charcoal grill, and pellet grill.

So whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, we hope you found this blog post helpful. Now go out there and grill some drumsticks!

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.
Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.