Barbecue-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks
In short: Drumsticks grilled slowly over indirect heat, then lacquered with a homemade smoky-sweet barbecue glaze in the last minutes. It takes about 1 h 5 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Total
- 1 h 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 540 kcal
Grilled drumsticks are a summer staple for a reason: they are cheap, easy to hold and hard to overcook. The trick is to cook them mostly over indirect heat so the skin renders without burning, and to brush the sauce on only at the end, when the sugar can caramelize without blackening. The quick sauce here uses ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, molasses and smoked paprika, ingredients most kitchens already have.
Instructions
- Set up the grill for two-zone cooking: one side on medium-high heat and the other with the burners off, or the coals banked to one side. Aim for about 190°C (375°F) on the cooler side.
- Stir the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Pour about a quarter into a clean bowl for serving.
- Pat the drumsticks dry. Rub them with the oil, salt, paprika and pepper.
- Place the drumsticks on the cooler side, close the lid and cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes.
- Brush the glaze from the pan over the drumsticks. Cook for 5 minutes, turn, brush again and cook for 5 minutes more, until the meat reads at least 74°C (165°F) near the bone.
- Move the drumsticks to the hot side for 1 to 2 minutes per side to char lightly, watching closely. Rest for 5 minutes and serve with the reserved glaze.
Tips
- Brush on the sauce late. Its sugar scorches quickly, so keep the drumsticks on the cooler side while glazing.
- No grill? Bake the drumsticks on a rack at 210°C (410°F) for 40 minutes, brush with glaze twice and bake 10 minutes more.
Questions and answers
How do I know when drumsticks are done?
The thickest part should read at least 74°C (165°F). Many people prefer 80 to 85°C (175 to 185°F) for drumsticks, since the tough tendons soften at that point.
Can I use store-bought barbecue sauce?
Yes. Use about 250 ml (1 cup) and add a splash of vinegar. Brush it on late, since many sauces are very sweet.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It also works on burgers and roasted vegetables.
How long does it take to make Barbecue-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?
About 1 h 5 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Barbecue-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks?
About 540 kcal per serving, with 42 g of protein, 17 g of carbohydrates and 30 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 540 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Sodium | 1150 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
