BBQ Chicken Drumsticks Grilled

These sticky sweet BBQ chicken drumsticks never last long at my summer gatherings. With a simple homemade barbecue sauce and a quick char on the grill they always turn out juicy inside with crisp flavorful skin. This recipe keeps things affordable and crowd friendly making backyard dinners a breeze.

I first made this for a birthday picnic and everyone insisted on the recipe. Now it is a go to dish for weekends with friends and even busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Tomato sauce: adds rich tangy depth and forms the base for the barbecue flavor Look for a good quality brand with no added herbs or cheese
• Granulated sugar: balances acidity and helps with caramelization on the skin Choose fine white sugar for smooth mixing
• Light brown sugar: offers deep molasses notes and moisture helping the sauce cling Choose fresh soft brown sugar for best results
• Low sodium soy sauce: gives the sauce savoriness without making it overly salty Pick low sodium to keep the flavors balanced
• White vinegar: brightens the sauce and keeps the flavor fresh Choose distilled white vinegar for a neutral clean taste
• Mustard: adds mild heat and complexity Yellow or Dijon mustard both work well
• Large chicken drumsticks: are meaty and stay juicy through simmering and grilling Blot dry with paper towels for the best barbecue crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the BBQ Sauce:

Combine the tomato sauce granulated sugar light brown sugar soy sauce white vinegar and mustard in a large pot Place over medium high heat and stir well until everything is completely combined Bring it to a gentle boil to help the sugars dissolve and the flavors meld

Simmer the Drumsticks:

Once the sauce is bubbling reduce the heat to medium low Add the chicken drumsticks nestling them into the sauce Cover the pot and let everything simmer for twenty to thirty minutes or until the drumsticks are cooked through and the meat is no longer pink inside Remove the chicken to a plate and pour some of the sauce into a separate cup for glazing

Prepare the Grill:

Get your grill cleaned up and well oiled so the chicken will not stick Heat it to high until it is very hot The high heat will help the skin crisp up quickly without drying out the meat inside

Grill and Char:

Place the simmered drumsticks onto the hot grill Brush them generously with some of the reserved BBQ sauce Grill just until each side is nicely charred turning the drumsticks so every bit of skin gets some flame and caramelization If your grill is very hot this takes only a few minutes so watch closely to avoid burning

Serve:

Arrange the grilled drumsticks on a platter and brush with any remaining sauce Serve with your favorite BBQ sides and enjoy hot

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Something about the way the sugars caramelize over the grill makes these drumsticks hard to resist My favorite part is brushing on extra sauce right at the end so you get that sticky shiny finish I remember making these in my old small backyard and the whole block would comment on the smell

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days Let the drumsticks cool before packing them away You can enjoy them cold in salads or quickly reheat under the broiler for a few minutes to get the skin crispy again

Ingredient Substitutions

Boneless skinless chicken thighs work in a pinch though drumsticks keep the juiciest texture For a different flavor you can substitute apple cider vinegar for white vinegar Try honey instead of granulated sugar for a deeper sweetness

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Serving Suggestions

These are perfect with classic BBQ sides like potato salad grilled corn or coleslaw If you are feeding a crowd offer a basket of dinner rolls for a no fork meal A fresh green salad helps cut through the richness

Cultural and Historical Context

Barbecue chicken is a staple at American cookouts with countless regional variations This easy stove to grill method is adaptable year round so you can bring that smoky sticky flavor to the table even when it is not grilling season The homemade sauce nods to both sweet Kansas City styles and tangy Carolina barbecue

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How do you prevent drumsticks from drying out on the grill?

Simmering the chicken in sauce before grilling keeps the meat juicy. Quick grilling at high heat crisps the skin without drying the meat.

→ What’s in the BBQ sauce for these drumsticks?

The sauce is made from tomato sauce, granulated and brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of mustard for tang and richness.

→ Can I bake instead of grill the drumsticks?

Yes, after simmering, you can finish the drumsticks under a broiler to caramelize the glaze if a grill isn’t available.

→ What’s the secret to a sticky, caramelized finish?

Brushing extra sauce onto the meat while grilling helps build up layers of flavorful glaze and char.

→ Are these drumsticks suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. The drumsticks can be cooked ahead and quickly finished on the grill when ready to serve.