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    Home » Main Dishes » Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Beer Marinade

    Published: Jun 24, 2021 by Lisa · This post may contain affiliate links, which means we make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you.

    Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Beer Marinade

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    TRAY OF CHICKEN LEGS.
    chicken legs on grill.
    chicken legs in basket.
    grilled chicken legs on grill.

    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!

    Chicken legs on grill. this recipe

    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!
    Jump to:
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken
    • FAQS
    • More Grilling Favorites
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for chicken legs.

    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

    Chicken legs in a glass bowl with  marinade ingredients.
    • 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.
    Chicken legs on sheet pan and grill pan.
    • 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.
    grilled chicken drummies in serving bowl.
    d c

    FAQS

    What can I use in place of beer?


    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.

    Can I substitute chicken thighs?


    Of course! You can use the recipe just the same.

    How can I cook BBQ chicken drumsticks on a charcoal grill?


    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.

    A silver tray filled with grilled chicken legs.
    
    
    Did you make this recipe? We'd love to hear your thoughts! 
    
    Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below. Your feedback helps us and your fellow readers! 
    
    
    

    More Grilling Favorites

    • Whole seasoned chicken on the grill.
      Grilled Whole Chicken recipe (for both Gas & Charcoal Grills)
    • Mexican Grilled Corn
    • Tomato, Mozzarella and Grilled Corn Salad in a bowl.
      Tomato, Mozzarella and Grilled Corn Salad
    • stuffed mini peppers on a sheet pan.
      Stuffed Mini Peppers

    Recipe

    Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

    Garnish With Lemon
    These juicy, Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are a great addition to any party spread!
    4.88 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Main Dishes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 198 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Pastry Brushes
    • Mixing Bowls

    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

    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.

    VIDEO

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.33poundsCalories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 110mgPotassium: 287mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 113IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 36mgIron: 2mg

    Nutrition info not guaranteed to be accurate.

    Did you make this recipe?Tag us on Instagram or leave a comment!

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    About Lisa

    Hi, I’m Lisa! Looking for the party? It’s probably at my house. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing good food with friends and family. That and a seriously good cocktail.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Margaret Brown says

      January 11, 2017 at 5:19 pm

      Could this be cooked in the oven? On what temperature would you recommend.

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        January 11, 2017 at 5:25 pm

        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!

        Reply
    2. Platt College says

      August 30, 2016 at 7:23 pm

      I think the drumstick is better than the wing. Much more meat to enjoy!

      Reply

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