Description

These Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are bursting with flavor and simple to prepare! With a delightful dry rub and sticky BBQ sauce, they make an irresistible addition to summer cookouts and family gatherings, ensuring a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoon onion powder
1 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
chili powder or cayenne pepper, optional and to taste for spiciness
4 pounds chicken legs
1 cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup apricot jam

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Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
Place the chicken legs on a large plate, pat dry with paper towels, and rub the dry rub evenly over all drumsticks. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or overnight for better flavor. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling.
In a small saucepan, mix the BBQ sauce and jam. Heat over medium-low heat until simmering, whisking occasionally for about 10 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
Lightly oil the grill grates and preheat the grill: one side on high heat and the other on medium. Place chicken on the medium side and grill for about 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, flip the drumsticks, rearranging them so that the ones farther from high heat are moved closer and vice versa. Grill for an additional 5 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid burning.
Baste the chicken with the BBQ sauce mixture when almost done (about 4-5 minutes left). Cook covered for 2 minutes, flip, baste the other side, and cook for another 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired.

Notes

Ensure chicken is fully thawed if using frozen legs.
Baste the chicken generously to enhance flavor and moisture.
Resting the chicken allows juices to redistribute for better texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 drumstick
Calories: 250
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 80mg