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Juicy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Easy Crispy Tender Skin

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A quick and easy grilled chicken drumsticks recipe that delivers juicy meat with crispy, tender skin using simple pantry ingredients and a perfect grilling method.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds or 900 grams), skin-on and bone-in
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons coarse sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional but recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • A handful of chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken drumsticks with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, brown sugar, and chili flakes (if using). Mix well.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle the spice rub over the chicken and toss again until every piece is well-covered.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If using charcoal, bank the coals to one side to create a two-zone fire.
  5. Place the drumsticks over direct heat and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning carefully with tongs. Watch for flare-ups and move chicken to cooler side if needed.
  6. Transfer the drumsticks to the cooler part of the grill to cook through without burning the skin. Close the lid and cook for another 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. In the last 5 minutes, brush the drumsticks with fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.
  8. Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes on a wire rack or plate.
  9. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Avoid flipping too early to prevent skin tearing. Rest chicken after grilling to lock in juices. For oven baking, cook at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken skin, easy chicken recipe, barbecue chicken, summer cookout, quick dinner, smoky chicken

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/juicy-grilled-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-crispy-tender-skin/