This Smoky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks recipe is perfect for summer grilling and gatherings. With a flavorful marinade combined with a smoky touch, these drumsticks are sure to impress your guests and satisfy those BBQ cravings.
Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these chicken drumsticks can be served as a main dish or as part of your barbecue recipes at cookouts or family dinners.
Delicious Smoky BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

These chicken drumsticks are marinated in a rich and smoky barbecue sauce, then grilled to juicy perfection. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish, serving 4 people.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prep the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable bag or bowl, pour the marinade over them, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Drumsticks: Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, letting excess sauce drip off. Place them on the grill and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure they’re evenly cooked and nicely charred.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. If desired, brush with additional BBQ sauce before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 drumsticks
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
