How Long to Grill Drumsticks for Perfectly Juicy Chicken
How Long to Grill Drumsticks
There’s nothing quite like the smell of grilled chicken on a summer day. And drumsticks are a particular favorite, with their juicy meat and crispy skin. But how long do you need to grill drumsticks to perfection?
The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of the drumsticks, the temperature of your grill, and your personal preference. But as a general rule, you’ll want to grill drumsticks for about 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best way to grill drumsticks, including how to prepare them, what temperature to grill them at, and how to tell when they’re done. We’ll also provide some tips for making your grilled drumsticks extra delicious.
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 minutes | 250 degrees Fahrenheit | For a smoky flavor, add wood chips to the grill. |
| 45 minutes | 350 degrees Fahrenheit | For a more crispy skin, cook the drumsticks uncovered for the last 15 minutes. |
| 60 minutes | 400 degrees Fahrenheit | For a well-done drumstick, cook until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit. |
Factors Affecting Grilling Time
The grilling time for drumsticks will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Drumstick size: Smaller drumsticks will cook faster than larger ones.
- Meat thickness: Thinner drumsticks will cook faster than thicker ones.
- Grill temperature: The higher the grill temperature, the faster the drumsticks will cook.
- Cooking method: The cooking method you use will also affect the grilling time. For example, indirect grilling will take longer than direct grilling.
Drumstick size
The size of the drumsticks will be the most important factor affecting grilling time. Smaller drumsticks will cook faster than larger ones, so you will need to adjust the grilling time accordingly.
As a general rule of thumb, bone-in, skin-on drumsticks will take about 30-35 minutes to cook, while boneless, skinless drumsticks will take about 20-25 minutes. Whole chicken drumsticks will take about 45-50 minutes to cook.
Meat thickness
The thickness of the meat will also affect grilling time. Thinner drumsticks will cook faster than thicker ones.
As a general rule of thumb, bone-in, skin-on drumsticks that are 1-inch thick will take about 30 minutes to cook, while boneless, skinless drumsticks that are 1-inch thick will take about 20 minutes. Whole chicken drumsticks that are 1-inch thick will take about 45 minutes to cook.
Grill temperature
The higher the grill temperature, the faster the drumsticks will cook. However, you should be careful not to cook the drumsticks at too high of a temperature, as this can cause them to dry out.
As a general rule of thumb, you should grill drumsticks at a temperature of 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using a charcoal grill, you should build a medium-hot fire. If you are using a gas grill, you should set the heat to medium-high.
Cooking method
The cooking method you use will also affect the grilling time. Indirect grilling will take longer than direct grilling.
Indirect grilling
Indirect grilling involves cooking the drumsticks over indirect heat. This means that the drumsticks are not directly over the heat source. Indirect grilling is a good method for cooking drumsticks because it helps to prevent them from drying out.
To indirect grill drumsticks, preheat your grill to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the drumsticks on the grill grates, away from the heat source. Close the grill lid and cook the drumsticks for 30-35 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Direct grilling
Direct grilling involves cooking the drumsticks over direct heat. This means that the drumsticks are directly over the heat source. Direct grilling is a faster method for cooking drumsticks, but it is also more likely to cause them to dry out.
To direct grill drumsticks, preheat your grill to 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the drumsticks on the grill grates, directly over the heat source. Close the grill lid and cook the drumsticks for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Recommended Grilling Times
The following are recommended grilling times for drumsticks:
- Bone-in, skin-on drumsticks: 30-35 minutes
- Boneless, skinless drumsticks: 20-25 minutes
- Marinated drumsticks: 25-30 minutes
- Whole chicken drumsticks: 45-50 minutes
Bone-in, skin-on drumsticks
Bone-in, skin-on drumsticks will take about 30-35 minutes to cook on the grill. To cook bone-in, skin-on drumsticks, preheat your grill to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the drumsticks on the grill grates, away from the heat source. Close the grill lid and cook the drumsticks for 30-35 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
Boneless, skinless drumsticks
Boneless, skinless drumsticks will take about 20-25 minutes to cook on the grill. To cook boneless, skinless drumsticks, preheat your grill to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the drumsticks on the grill grates, directly over the heat source. Close the grill lid and cook the
How Long to Grill Drumsticks?
The cooking time for drumsticks will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks, the temperature of the grill, and your personal preference. However, a good rule of thumb is to cook drumsticks for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are some tips for grilling drumsticks:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Oil the drumsticks before grilling.
- Grill the drumsticks for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Baste the drumsticks with barbecue sauce or another flavorful liquid during grilling.
- Let the drumsticks rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Grilling Drumsticks
Here are some tips for grilling drumsticks that will help you create delicious, juicy drumsticks:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This will help to create a nice sear on the drumsticks and cook them evenly.
- Oil the drumsticks before grilling. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the grill and will also help to create a crispy skin.
- Grill the drumsticks for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. The internal temperature of the drumsticks should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Baste the drumsticks with barbecue sauce or another flavorful liquid during grilling. This will 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 will help the drumsticks to stay moist.
Common Mistakes When Grilling Drumsticks
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when grilling drumsticks:
- Not preheating the grill. This can cause the drumsticks to stick to the grill and will also result in uneven cooking.
- Not oiling the drumsticks. This can also cause the drumsticks to stick to the grill and will result in a dry, tough finished product.
- Grilling the drumsticks for too long. This can dry out the drumsticks and make them tough.
- Not basting the drumsticks. This will help to keep the drumsticks moist and flavorful.
- Not letting the drumsticks rest before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and will help the drumsticks to stay moist.
Grilling drumsticks is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and create perfect drumsticks every time.
How long do you cook drumsticks on the grill?
The cooking time for drumsticks will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the desired doneness. For medium-sized drumsticks, cook them for 20-25 minutes per side over medium heat. For well-done drumsticks, cook them for 30-35 minutes per side.
What temperature should I cook drumsticks on the grill?
The ideal temperature for grilling drumsticks is 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help to ensure that the drumsticks are cooked through without drying out.
What should I marinate drumsticks in before grilling?
There are many different marinades that you can use for drumsticks. Some popular options include:
- Teriyaki marinade: This marinade is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, garlic, ginger, and honey. It gives drumsticks a sweet and savory flavor.
- BBQ marinade: This marinade is made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion powder. It gives drumsticks a smoky and tangy flavor.
- Cajun marinade: This marinade is made with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and lemon juice. It gives drumsticks a spicy and flavorful kick.
How do I know when drumsticks are done?
There are a few ways to tell when drumsticks are done.
- The meat should be cooked through. When you insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick, the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The skin should be crispy. The skin should be golden brown and crispy when the drumsticks are done.
- The meat should be tender. The meat should be tender and juicy when the drumsticks are done.
What are some tips for grilling drumsticks?
Here are a few tips for grilling drumsticks:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat. This will help to ensure that the drumsticks are cooked evenly.
- Oil the drumsticks before grilling. This will help to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Grill the drumsticks for 20-25 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
- Turn the drumsticks frequently to ensure that they cook evenly.
- Serve the drumsticks immediately with your favorite sides.
Grilled drumsticks are a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. They are also a great way to use up leftover chicken. To grill drumsticks, you will need:
– 1 pound of chicken drumsticks
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken drumsticks, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the chicken drumsticks to coat them evenly in the marinade.
4. Grill the chicken drumsticks for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Serve the chicken drumsticks immediately.
Here are some tips for grilling drumsticks:
- Make sure to preheat your grill to medium heat before cooking the chicken. This will help to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
- Marinate the chicken drumsticks for at least 30 minutes before grilling them. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
- Grill the chicken drumsticks for 8-10 minutes per side, or until cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Serve the chicken drumsticks immediately.
Grilled drumsticks are a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. They are also a great way to use up leftover chicken. So next time you have some leftover chicken, try grilling it up for a quick and easy meal.
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