Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

These grilled chicken drumsticks are a fantastic choice for your next family meal or backyard barbecue.

Coated in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce, they offer a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and delicious, ensuring a satisfying main dish every time you fire up the grill.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, these chicken drumsticks are incredibly approachable. The simple preparation and cooking method mean you can spend less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying good company and great food. Get ready to discover a new favorite way to prepare chicken!

Garlic Butter Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

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• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These grilled chicken drumsticks are a fantastic choice for your next family meal or backyard barbecue. Coated in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce, they offer a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and delicious, ensuring a satisfying main dish every time you fire up the grill.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds chicken drumsticks

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Grill for Medium Heat: Start by preheating your grill to a medium heat setting, around 375-400 F (190-200 C). Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking. This initial step is crucial for even cooking and achieving those desirable grill marks.

2. Combine the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a medium bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be fragrant and smooth.

3. Coat the Chicken Drumsticks: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or a shallow dish. Pour about half of the garlic butter mixture over the drumsticks. Use tongs or your hands to toss the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This initial coating will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.

4. Grill the Drumsticks: Carefully place the coated drumsticks on the preheated grill. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Close the grill lid.

5. Cook and Baste for Tenderness: Grill the drumsticks for 10-12 minutes, then flip them over. At this point, brush the drumsticks generously with the remaining garlic butter sauce. Continue grilling, flipping and basting every 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C) with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. The skin should be nicely browned and slightly crispy.

6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the grill and transfer them to a clean platter. Loosely tent them with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender and moist. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: grilling
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1-2 drumsticks

Keywords: chicken, drumsticks, grilled, garlic butter, barbecue, easy, family meal, weeknight, bbq, savory

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe for garlic butter grilled chicken drumsticks is a true winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, with the garlic and butter creating a classic, crowd-pleasing combination that perfectly complements the chicken. It’s a dish that appeals to almost everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts, making it ideal for family dinners where you need something universally loved. The drumsticks themselves are a budget-friendly cut of chicken, offering great value without sacrificing taste or tenderness. They cook up beautifully on the grill, developing a lovely char and smoky flavor that enhances the overall experience. This recipe is perfect for weeknight meals when you need something quick but satisfying, or for weekend cookouts when you want to impress without a lot of effort. It’s also incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide range of side dishes, from simple salads to grilled vegetables or classic potato salad.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking is the best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience in the kitchen. For this recipe, you’ll find that most of the items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. The beauty of these garlic butter grilled chicken drumsticks lies in their simplicity and the powerful flavor they deliver with just a few key components. Don’t worry about needing any fancy equipment; your grill and a few basic kitchen tools are all you’ll need to create this delicious meal.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

When it comes to substitutions, you have a few options to tailor this recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead, though fresh garlic will offer a more pungent flavor. For the parsley, if fresh isn’t available, a teaspoon of dried parsley can be used, or simply omit it if you prefer. If you’re watching your sodium intake, feel free to reduce the amount of salt or use a salt substitute. For a little extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes could be added to the butter mixture. Any brand of unsalted butter will work perfectly here, and feel free to use your favorite brand of chicken drumsticks.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed to be quick and efficient, perfect for busy schedules. The total time from beginning to end is quite manageable, ensuring you can have a delicious meal on the table without a long wait.

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Grilling time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

This timing allows for a quick marinade or coating of the drumsticks and then sufficient time on the grill to cook them through to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making these garlic butter grilled chicken drumsticks is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken every time.

1. Prepare the Grill for Medium Heat: Start by preheating your grill to a medium heat setting, around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean to prevent sticking. This initial step is crucial for even cooking and achieving those desirable grill marks.
2. Combine the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a medium bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. The mixture should be fragrant and smooth.
3. Coat the Chicken Drumsticks: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large bowl or a shallow dish. Pour about half of the garlic butter mixture over the drumsticks. Use tongs or your hands to toss the drumsticks, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This initial coating will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
4. Grill the Drumsticks: Carefully place the coated drumsticks on the preheated grill. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. Close the grill lid.
5. Cook and Baste for Tenderness: Grill the drumsticks for 10-12 minutes, then flip them over. At this point, brush the drumsticks generously with the remaining garlic butter sauce. Continue grilling, flipping and basting every 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the drumstick, avoiding the bone. The skin should be nicely browned and slightly crispy.
6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the grill and transfer them to a clean platter. Loosely tent them with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender and moist. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to fit into any meal plan or occasion. For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the amount of garlic slightly or skip the paprika if they are sensitive to spices. Most kids love drumsticks because they are easy to hold and eat, making them a fun option for little hands.

If you’re looking to add more flavor, consider a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the drumsticks after grilling for a bright, zesty finish. For a little heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or a squirt of your favorite hot sauce into the butter mixture can elevate the spice level. You could also experiment with different dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to change the aromatic profile.

These grilled chicken drumsticks are perfect for a variety of serving scenarios. For a casual family dinner, pair them with classic sides like corn on the cob, a simple green salad, or mashed potatoes. For a backyard BBQ or party buffet, they are excellent alongside coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, and grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. They’re also fantastic for meal prepping; simply grill a larger batch and portion them out for lunches throughout the week. As for dips, a creamy ranch dressing, a tangy BBQ sauce, or even a simple honey mustard can be a delicious accompaniment.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a straightforward recipe like this, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Being aware of these can help you achieve perfectly grilled drumsticks every time.

One frequent slip-up is not preheating the grill adequately. If the grill isn’t hot enough, the chicken will stick to the grates and won’t develop that desirable crispy skin and char. Always allow your grill at least 10-15 minutes to reach the target temperature before placing the chicken on it.

Another common issue is overcrowding the grill. Placing too many drumsticks on the grates at once lowers the grill’s temperature and can lead to steaming instead of grilling, resulting in less crispy skin and uneven cooking. Grill in batches if necessary, ensuring there’s enough space around each drumstick for proper air circulation.

Not using a meat thermometer is a mistake that can lead to either undercooked or overcooked chicken. Guessing if chicken is done can be risky for food safety or result in dry, tough meat. An instant-read thermometer is an inexpensive and essential tool for grilling chicken, ensuring it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without going beyond.

Finally, skipping the resting period after grilling can make your chicken less juicy. When meat cooks, its juices gather in the center. Resting allows these juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender. Always let your drumsticks rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Proper storage is key to enjoying your grilled chicken drumsticks for days to come, and with a little planning, you can even make them ahead.

To store leftover grilled chicken drumsticks, allow them to cool completely to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.