There it is the simple chicken leg. A cheap and flexible protein that can be used to make a huge number of tasty meals. How long to grill chicken drumsticks is a common question when it comes to cooking, though. Don’t worry, cooking fans—this guide will be your ultimate timer, giving you tips and times for every drumstick grilling situation you can think of!
Figuring out what makes playtime what it is
Before we get into exact times, let’s look at what makes the difference in how long to grill chicken drumsticks:
- Temperature of the grill: This is probably the most important factor. Higher temperatures (400°F or higher) will sear the outside faster, which will cut down on cooking time but could make the meat dryer. When you cook at lower temperatures (around 350°F), the drumsticks get more soft and juicy, but they lose some of their crispiness.
- Size of the Drumstick: Larger drumsticks take longer to cook through than smaller ones. Change the amount of time you cook.
- Marinating or brining: Drumsticks that have been marinated or brined tend to cook a little faster because the water gets into the meat. But think about the extra time that will be needed for soaking or chilling.
- How to Cook: Drumsticks will cook faster if you grill them directly over high heat instead of indirectly over low heat.
The Important Times: Your set of tools for grilling chicken drumsticks
To prepare you for any event, let us tell you how long to grill chicken drumsticks:
1. Most grills use direct heat (400°F or more).
This is the best way to get crispy skin and a smoky taste.
Time frame: 25 to 35 minutes.
How to Do It: Get the grill ready by setting it to 400°F or higher. Pat the drumsticks dry, season them well, and then put them straight on the grill over the heat source. To make sure they cook evenly, flip them every 5 to 7 minutes. Check the temperature inside with a meat thermometer. It should hit 165°F before it is safe to eat.
2. Indirect heat (350°F to 400°F) is the juicy choice.
This method puts softness and wetness first.
About 40 to 50 minutes.
How to Do It: Set your grill on medium heat (350°F to 400°F). Set up two cooking areas. Put the drumsticks on the cooler side of the grill, away from the direct heat. A drip pan can be put under it to catch the drips. Close the lid and heat, turning the food over every so often. Once more, use a meat thermometer to make sure that the temperature inside the meat is 165°F.
3. The Treat with Glaze and Sauce:
Adding a glaze or sauce while cooking makes the food taste even better, but you have to be careful not to burn it.
Timeframe: Follow the times listed above for the way you choose (direct or indirect) and cook the drumsticks until they are almost done (the internal temperature should be around 155°F). During the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking, brush or baste the meat with a lot of the glaze or sauce of your choice. Watch out for flare-ups and change the heat if you need to.
4. Grilling Drumsticks That Have Already Been Cooked
They could have been cooked ahead of time in the oven or some other way. Grilling can give food a spicy taste and make the skin crispy.
Time frame: 5 to 10 minutes.
How to Do It: Get the grill ready by setting it to 400°F or higher. Put the drumsticks that have already been cooked right on top of the heat. Grill them for a few minutes on each side, until they’re hot all the way through and the skin starts to get a little crispy. Don’t do too much because they are already cooked.
5. It’s the party pleaser: Grilling a Lot of Food
Time frame: Make a few small changes based on how many drumsticks you have.
How to Do It: Warm up your grill, and then do it the way you normally do it, whether it’s straight or indirect. You might find it easier to handle and flip the drumsticks if you use a grill pan. Make sure they are all properly spaced so that air can flow and food can cook. During the process, keep an eye on the internal temperature of several drumsticks to make sure they cook evenly.
Bonus Tip: It’s important to rest! After cooking, take the drumsticks off the heat and cover them with foil in a loose way for 5 to 10 minutes. This lets the juices move around, which makes the meat more soft and delicious.
Beyond the Basics: More Advanced Tips and Tricks for Changing the Taste
Once you know how to do the basics, try these more advanced methods to get better at grilling chicken drumsticks:
1. For a smokey flavor, smoke with wood chips.
To give your food more smoked flavor, add wood chips to your cooking process:
How to Do It: To make it, soak any kind of wood chips (hickory, mesquite, applewood, etc.) in water for 30 minutes. As you heat your grill, put a smoker box or bag with the wet wood chips close to the heat source. As the drumsticks cook, the smoke will fill them up. Watch out for the type of wood chips you use and how long you grill them so they don’t overpower the taste.
2. The Reverse Sear: Making Tender and Crispy Food Together
This method uses the best parts of indirect and direct heat to make the inside very soft and juicy and the outside crisp and flavorful:
The time range is between 40 and 50 minutes, which includes a break.
How to Do It: Warm up the grill over medium-low heat (about 250°F). Put the drumsticks on the side with indirect heat. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until the temperature inside hits 150°F. Raise the heat to medium-high (400°F+) and cook the drumsticks over the heat for a few minutes on each side, until they are as crispy as you like them.
3. The Flavorful Brine: Adding Taste and Moisture
Brining chicken drumsticks for how long before cooking is a great way to make them more juicy and flavorful.
How to Do It: Mix water, salt, sugar, and the herbs and spices you want to use to make a pickle solution. Put the drumsticks in the salt and put them in the fridge for 4 to 8 hours, or even overnight. Make sure they are completely dry before cooking them in the way of your choice. When you plan, keep in mind that the time spent soaking will add to the total cooking time.
4. The Flavorful Rub: Make It Your Own
Instead of soaking the drumsticks, you could make a tasty rub to put on them before you cook them.
How to Do It: In a bowl, mix your favorite herbs, spices, and dry ingredients, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes. Before cooking, rub the dry drumsticks with a lot of the mixture. This method gives the food a strong, concentrated taste without the extra time needed to prepare it by soaking.
5. The Global Grill: Inspirations for International Flavors
When you cook your drumsticks, don’t be afraid to try out different world taste combinations. Here are some ideas to get you going:
- Korean: To give your drumsticks a sweet, spicy, and savory kick, mix gochujang (Korean chili paste) with soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic.
- Moroccan: For a warm and spicy touch, rub the drumsticks with a mixture of cumin, coriander, paprika, and turmeric. This is a Moroccan method.
- Greek: To make a bright and green sauce for your drumsticks, mix lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, garlic, and thyme.
Remember that when you try new tastes or techniques, you should always change the times based on the method you’re using and the recipe you’re following.
After reading these tips and tricks, you should be able to figure out how long to grill chicken drumsticks correctly. Try new things, have fun, and savor the tasty results!