Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are the perfect summer barbecue dish. With only 30 minutes in a tangy lemon garlic marinade, these drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether for friends or family, this recipe is sure to impress.
Drumsticks are one of the most underrated cuts of chicken—flavorful, affordable, and essentially giant chicken wings. What’s not to love?
If you don’t have access to a gas grill or charcoal grill, no worries! You can still enjoy my Crispy Baked Chicken Legs. They come out just as juicy and flavorful, with a perfectly crispy skin.
And if you’re searching for a one-pan chicken dinner featuring dark meat, you’ll love my Sheet Pan Chicken and Green Beans Dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Short Marinating Time: These chicken legs don’t require hours of marinating—just about 30 minutes, enough time to heat up the grill.
- Fresh Flavors: My simple homemade marinade features plenty of fresh lemon juice, zest, and garlic cloves.
- Secret Ingredient: A touch of Greek yogurt helps the marinade cling beautifully to the chicken while adding a delightful tang.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Drumsticks: Also known as chicken legs, these bone-in, skin-on cuts of chicken are perfect for grilling. You’ll need about 2.5 pounds if you have 8 drumsticks; adjust to 10 if they are smaller. I always like to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Greek Yogurt: Be sure to use plain unsweetened yogurt (any fat content).
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil can also be used.
- Lemon: Use 1 large or 2 small lemons; no need to measure the zest or juice precisely for this recipe.
- Garlic: Though 8 cloves may seem like a lot, it ensures robust flavor in the marinade.
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
- Spices: Opt for smoked paprika for richer flavor. Italian seasoning can be replaced with oregano or rosemary if necessary. Dried herbs work just fine, but fresh can be used if preferred.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
How Do You Grill Drumsticks Without Burning Them?
Grilling drumsticks without burning them involves careful heat management and even cooking. Here are my tips:
- Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. Too high of heat will leave the skin burned and the interior undercooked.
- Always lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and turn the drumsticks frequently for even cooking.
- Be cautious with marinades containing sugar or honey, as these can burn easily.
- Prevent flare-ups caused by fat drippings by keeping a spray bottle of water handy to control any flames that may arise.
- Additionally, cook with the grill lid closed to maintain an even temperature and ensure thorough cooking.
By following these tips, you can enjoy perfectly grilled drumsticks without the risk of burning them.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Quick Overview
- Make the marinade.
- Marinate the drumsticks.
- Grill.
Step by Step Instructions
Turn the drumsticks frequently during grilling to ensure they cook evenly without burning.
Step 1: Add the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, paprika, italian seasoning, ground mustard, and pepper in a small food processor. Blend until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, finely mince the garlic and whisk together all the ingredients in a small bowl.
Step 2: Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, making sure they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 30 minutes, while the grill preheats.
Step 3: Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the marinade. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 30-35 minutes, turning every about every 5 minutes, until the internal temperature on a meat thermometer reaches 175°F. If some drumsticks cook faster than others, move them to the indirect heat rack to prevent overcooking.
Recipe Serving Suggestions
These chicken drumsticks are delicious enough to enjoy on their own, but if you’re looking for a tasty side dish to complement them, here’s what I recommend:
- Veggie: Grilled Zucchini & Yellow Squash or Easy Crockpot Green Beans
- Starch: Easy Garlic Parsley Potatoes or Baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Cold: Healthy Italian Pasta Salad, Lebanese Potato Salad, or Asian Chopped Salad
BBQ sauce is always great for dipping!
Expert Tips
- Oil the grill grates: After cleaning the grill grates, lightly oil them with a high smoke point oil, such as avocado, grapeseed, or vegetable oil, to prevent sticking before cooking.
- Marinate properly: Only marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes; any longer may result in overly salty drumsticks.
- Turn the legs frequently: This will prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Additions & Variations
- Spices: Experiment with different spices in the marinade such as cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, cayenne pepper for heat, or turmeric.
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Best Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large lemon juiced & zested
- 8 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt*
- 1 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika, italian seasoning, ground mustard, & black pepper
- 8 chicken drumsticks (legs)
Instructions
- Add the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, paprika, italian seasoning, ground mustard, and pepper in a small food processor. Blend until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, finely mince the garlic and whisk together all the ingredients in a small bowl.1/4 cup plain greek yogurt, 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 large lemon juiced & zested, 8 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons Morton kosher salt*, 1 teaspoon EACH smoked paprika, italian seasoning, ground mustard, & black pepper
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a mixing bowl. Pour the marinade over the drumsticks, making sure they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 30 minutes, while the grill preheats.8 chicken drumsticks (legs)
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 350°F). Remove the drumsticks from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the marinade. Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for about 30-35 minutes, turning every about every 5 minutes, until the internal temperature on a meat thermometer reaches 175°F. If some drumsticks cook faster than others, move them to the indirect heat rack to prevent overcooking.
Notes
- Kosher Salt: All of my recipes are tested with Morton kosher salt unless noted otherwise. It is the best salt for everyday cooking because of its size and flavor. If using table salt, the amount should be reduced. I highly recommend picking up some kosher next time you are at the store!
- Marinate properly: Only marinate the chicken for about 30 minutes; any longer may result in overly salty drumsticks.
- Turn the legs frequently: This will prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
