BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs

Fire up the grill and get ready for cookout perfection with our mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs recipe! These juicy, tender cuts of dark meat are seasoned to perfection, then cooked and slathered in the BBQ sauce of your choice.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Flavor: Chicken thighs and drumsticks are known for their rich flavor, which comes from their higher fat content compared to leaner cuts like chicken breast. When grilled, the fat renders, resulting in juicy, succulent meat with a deliciously charred exterior.
• Juiciness: Dark meat tends to be more moist and tender, making them less prone to drying out during grilling. This makes them an excellent choice for grilling, as they remain juicy and flavorful even when cooked over high heat.
• Easy to Customize: These can be flavored and seasoned in numerous ways to suit your taste preferences. They pair well with a variety of marinades, rubs, and sauces, allowing you to create a wide range of flavor options.
• Affordability: Chicken thighs and drumsticks are often more affordable, making them a budget-friendly option, especially when feeding a crowd or hosting a barbecue.
• Convenient: These cuts are easy to handle. They cook quickly and are perfect for casual outdoor gatherings or weeknight dinners.

How to Shop for the Chicken

• Freshness: Look for chicken that appears fresh and have a pinkish color. Avoid chicken with a grayish hue or any signs of discoloration, which could indicate spoilage.
• Texture: Check the texture of the chicken thighs and drumsticks by gently pressing on them. They should feel firm and springy to the touch. Avoid chicken that feels slimy or overly soft, as this could indicate deterioration.
• Odor: Take a sniff. Fresh chicken should have a neutral odor or a slightly sweet smell. Avoid chicken with a strong, unpleasant odor, as this could be a sign of spoilage.
• Appearance: Inspect the skin for any tears, bruises, or blemishes. The skin should be smooth and free from any visible damage.
• Packaging: Check the packaging for any signs of damage, leaks, or tears. Ensure that the packaging is intact and securely sealed to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Labeling: Pay attention to the labeling on the packaging, which should include information such as the sell-by date, weight, and any added ingredients or preservatives. I like to choose chicken that is labeled as hormone-free and raised without antibiotics.

Do You Have to Marinate it?

Marinating is not necessary, but it will certainly enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. If you have the time I recommend it. Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy end product. I use my Grilled Chicken Seasoning recipe that includes a marinade.

If you don’t want to marinate the meat, omit the soy sauce.

How to Season

I use a combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and brown sugar or sweetener. Here are some other amazing options:

• Store Bought Poultry Rub
• BBQ Rub and Seasoning
• Cajun Seasoning
• Creole Seasoning
• Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Maple Bourbon
• Italian Herb
• Honey Mustard

How to Grill BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Season the chicken with the BBQ rub (and marinade if you plan to marinate).
2. Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill.
3. Grill.
4. Glaze the chicken with BBQ sauce.
5. Remove the chicken from heat and allow the meat to rest.

Charcoal Grill vs Gas Grill

You can use either a charcoal grill or gas grill for this recipe. I often use a gas grill. Here are some things to think about:

Gas Grill:

• Flavor: Charcoal grills impart a distinct smoky flavor due to the natural charcoal and wood used for fuel.
• Temperature Control: Charcoal grills can be more challenging to control and maintain a consistent temperature compared to gas grills. It requires careful monitoring of the charcoal and airflow to achieve the desired cooking temperature.
• Prep Time: These grills typically take longer to preheat compared to gas grills, as you need to wait for the charcoal to reach the right temperature before cooking.
• Charcoal Flavor: Some people prefer the flavor of food cooked over charcoal, believing it to be more authentic and flavorful compared to gas-grilled foods.
• Smoke Production: Charcoal grills produce more smoke compared to gas grills, which can enhance the smoky flavor, but may also require extra ventilation to prevent excessive smoke buildup.

Charcoal Grill:

• Convenience: Gas grills offer greater convenience and ease of use compared to charcoal grills. They typically have push-button ignition and allow for precise temperature control with the turn of a knob.
• Temperature Control: Gas grills provide more precise temperature control, allowing you to adjust the heat quickly and easily to maintain the desired cooking temperature.
• Preheating Time: These will heat up faster and require less time to preheat compared to charcoal grills, making them a quicker option for cooking.
• Cleanliness: Gas is generally easier to clean and maintain compared to charcoal grills, as they produce less ash and require less cleanup after cooking.
• Fuel Availability: Nothing hurts more than running out of propane when you’re ready to grill! I have been there. Gas grills run on propane or natural gas, which are readily available and easy to store compared to bags of charcoal. This makes gas grills a convenient option, but make sure you have it on-hand.

Grill Temperature

Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400 degrees. This temperature range allows for thorough cooking without burning the exterior of the chicken.

Cook Time/How Long To Grill

The best way to determine how long the chicken needs to cook is to use a meat thermometer and test the internal temperature. The cooking time will vary greatly based on the thickness of the meat you’re using along with the type and brand of grill you use. You really have to get to know your grill, it’s hot spots, and the speed at which it cooks. Here are some guidelines, but alway use a meat thermometer.

The drumsticks will need to cook for about 10-15 minutes on each side.

Bone-in chicken thighs will need to cook for 7-10 minutes on each side.

Boneless chicken thighs will need to cook for 5-7 minutes on each side.

How to Tell When the Chicken Has Finished Cooking

• Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding contact with bone. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees for all parts, including breast, thighs, wings, and drumsticks.
• Cooked chicken should have a golden brown exterior and appear opaque throughout. If you’re grilling chicken with bone-in, you can also check for clear juices running from the chicken when pierced with a knife or fork. Any pinkness or translucent areas indicate that the chicken needs more cooking time.
• Cooked chicken should feel firm and springy to the touch. If you press down on the chicken 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 and tough.

How to Add BBQ Sauce

Once the chicken is nearly cooked, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce onto each piece using a basting brush. Make sure to coat both sides of the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.

After applying the BBQ sauce, continue grilling the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side. This allows the sauce to caramelize and create a flavorful glaze while finishing cooking the chicken.

Allow the Meat to Rest

Once you remove the chicken from heat, allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes prior to digging in. Allowing the chicken to rest helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This helps to keep the meat moist and juicy.

Resting also allows the internal temperature of the meat to even out. The outer layers of the meat will be cooler than the inner layers immediately after cooking. Resting helps to equalize the temperature throughout the meat, resulting in more consistent doneness.

How to Store

You can store leftovers tightly sealed and covered in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to Reheat

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Reheat in the oven until warm.
• Grill: You can reheat the chicken over indirect heat. Preheat the grill to medium heat, then place the chicken on the cooler side of the grill. Cover the grill and cook until warm.
• Stovetop: Place the chicken in a skillet or saucepan with a small amount of chicken broth or water to prevent them from drying out. Cover the skillet and heat over medium-low heat until heated through.
• Microwave: Using the microwave is not the ideal method for reheating as it may dry it out. 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.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze leftovers for 2-3 months wrapped and sealed or tightly covered. They can be stored in the freezer for longer periods, it’s best to use them within this timeframe to ensure optimal taste and texture.

Pair With These Recipes

Southern Coleslaw
Vinegar Based Coleslaw with No Mayo
Soul Food Potato Salad
Potato Salad with Bacon
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Southern Baked Beans
Broccoli Salad with Bacon

More Grilled Recipes

Grilled Turkey Legs
How to Grill Ribs on Charcoal or Gas Grill
How to Grill Chicken Wings
Grilled Cod in Foil