Your summertime BBQ party just got better with this Grilled Chicken Drumstick recipe! Succulent chicken is marinated in the perfect blend of beer and spices and then grilled to perfection. Ice-cold beer and a summer salad are the only things missing from this menu!
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When you're fixing dinner for a crew, chicken is often the safest bet. And these grilled chicken drumsticks will definitely be a winner! Dare we say winner-winner chicken dinner?
Why this recipe works
- This recipe is easy to follow so that anyone can be a BBQ hero!
- Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are a great meat option to feed a crowd. Plus the recipe is easy to double or even triple for a big group.
- The orange juice and beer marinade make for a super juicy chicken.
- Like thighs better? You can easily mix and match grilled chicken legs with thighs.
- These BBQ chicken drumsticks are perfect for tailgating, backyard parties, or even car camping!
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Ingredients
Ingredient Notes:
- Use whatever beer you have on hand. The darker the beer, the more flavor it will add to the chicken.
- Don't have any orange juice? Squeeze the juice from one orange and add that instead.
- Use your favorite grilling seasoning. We love the flavor that the Montreal Steak Seasoning adds to the chicken!
- Use whatever cuts of chicken you prefer and adjust cooking times.
Instructions
- Season the chicken with steak seasoning and cumin. Then, pour in the orange juice and beer. Allow marinating for at last 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, and then add the remaining steak seasoning and pepper. Squeeze the juice of a lime over the top of the chicken, followed by a drizzle of olive oil.
Expert Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken
For recipes with few ingredients and meat is the star of the show, we always recommend seeking out a quality meat product. Here are some tips!
- If you can, choose chicken that has been sustainably raised without antibiotics.
- Organic, air-chilled chicken has a better flavor than conventional chicken chilled in an ice bath.
- Choose local when possible! Support your local farmers, and you'll be rewarded with some of the best-flavored chicken!
- Make sure your grill is HOT! This ensures a crispy skin.
- Marinate as long as you can to get the juiciest chicken.
FAQS
The beer in this recipe serves as a great flavor component to the marinade for these grilled chicken drumsticks. If you prefer not to use beer, here are some options:
1. You can use a non-alcoholic beer to achieve the same flavor.
2. Chicken stock would also be a great substitute.
Of course! You can use the recipe just the same.
Using a full chimney of coals, prepare your charcoal grill for indirect heat. Once coals are ready, add chicken legs over the direct heat, turning 2-3 times until golden brown on all sides, about 3-5 minutes.
Then, move the chicken legs to the indirect heat and cover the lid. Try to maintain a temperature between 350 - 400 degrees, adjusting the vents as needed.
Continue cooking the chicken legs over indirect heat for about 20 minutes, turning 2-3 times.
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Recipe
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons steak seasoning, divided
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 12 ounces light beer or lager
- juice of one lime
- Olive oil
- Cracked black pepper
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Instructions
- Season the chicken drumsticks with one tablespoon of steak seasoning, and cumin powder. Place in a deep bowl and add orange juice and beer. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Remove chicken drumsticks from marinade and preheat grill to 500ºF.
- Drizzle chicken with olive oil and season with remaining tablespoon of steak seasoning and cracked pepper. Squeeze juice of one lime over top.
- Place chicken drumsticks on grill skin side down for 5 minutes. Turn heat down to 400ºF and then cook drumsticks for an additional 20 minutes turning every 5 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Use whatever beer you have on hand. The darker the beer, the more flavor it will add to the chicken.
- Don't have any orange juice? Squeeze the juice from one orange and add that instead.
- Use your favorite grilling seasoning. We love the flavor that the Montreal Steak Seasoning adds to the chicken!
- Use whatever cuts of chicken you prefer and adjust cooking times.
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Nutrition
Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.
Margaret Brown says
Could this be cooked in the oven? On what temperature would you recommend.
Lisa says
Hi Margaret, I have never done them in the oven but I'm sure it would work just fine! I would bake them at 425 so the skin gets crispy for about 35 minutes (or until cooked through). Good luck and let me know how they turn out!
Platt College says
I think the drumstick is better than the wing. Much more meat to enjoy!