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Grilled Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks with BBQ Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 95 reviews
  • Author: Wesley
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 drumsticks
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This recipe features grilled butterflied chicken drumsticks seasoned with a smoky BBQ rub and basted with a spicy buffalo BBQ sauce. The drumsticks are carefully butterflied for even cooking and grilled to juicy perfection with a charred, caramelized finish. Perfect for a flavorful outdoor meal, these drumsticks balance crispy skin with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Drumsticks

  • 6 chicken drumsticks

Seasoning & Sauce

  • BBQ seasoning, such as Signature Sweet & Smoky Rub, to taste
  • BBQ sauce, such as Spicy Buffalo BBQ Sauce, for basting

Optional

  • Vegetable oil, for the grill or drumsticks (optional)

Instructions

  1. Butterfly the Drumsticks: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Place a drumstick on a cutting board with the meatiest side facing up. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut along one side of the bone without slicing all the way through. Make a second cut on the other side of the bone to free the meat. Fold the drumstick open and lay it face-down. Repeat for all drumsticks to ensure even cooking.
  2. Season and Chill: Generously season the butterflied drumsticks with your chosen BBQ rub. Arrange them uncovered on a wire rack in the fridge. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate and the skin to dry slightly.
  3. Preheat the Grill: About 20 minutes before cooking, remove the drumsticks from the fridge to bring to room temperature. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, targeting approximately 400°F. Use a grill with a lid for direct cooking to help control heat and smoke.
  4. Grill the Drumsticks: Place the drumsticks skin-side up on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Flip the drumsticks and continue cooking in intervals, flipping and closing the lid every few minutes. This process helps cook the chicken evenly and should take about 20 to 25 minutes total, depending on your grill.
  5. Baste and Caramelize: When the internal temperature reaches 155-160°F, brush the drumsticks generously with your BBQ sauce. Leave the grill lid open to allow the heat to create a caramelized and slightly charred glaze on the chicken. Flip the drumsticks, baste again, and continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 180-185°F for optimal juiciness and crisp skin.

Notes

  • Chicken drumsticks contain more fat than white meat, making them more forgiving at higher cooking temperatures. Cooking to 180-185°F ensures crispy, moist meat that falls off the bone.
  • Bringing drumsticks to room temperature before grilling promotes even cooking.
  • Using a grill with a lid helps control heat and smoke, improving flavor and texture.
  • Butterflying the drumsticks helps them cook evenly and faster by allowing heat to circulate around the meat and bone.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken drumstick
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Find it online: https://lickplates.com/grilled-butterflied-chicken-drumsticks-with-bbq-sauce-recipe/