How to Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks on Gas Grill Like a Pro!

Do you find it hard to grill chicken drumsticks right on your gas grill? They often stick, cook unevenly, or dry out. Well, learning how to barbecue chicken drumsticks on gas grill is vital for good results.

To barbecues chicken drumsticks on a gas grill —

• First coat them lightly with oil.
• Cook them using indirect heat, keeping the grill temperature between 400 and 450°F.
• Turn the drumsticks frequently during the 25 to 30 minute cooking time.
• During the final five minutes, brush them with BBQ sauce
• Ensure that the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

From here on, you’ll find simple steps, helpful tips for seasoning, and grilling tricks to help you cook perfect drumsticks every time. It’s the right place whether you’re new to grilling or want to improve.

How to Grill Chicken Drumsticks On A Gas Grill

Grilling chicken drumsticks on a gas grill is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, juicy results!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the things you’ll require to enjoy grilled chicken drumsticks.

• Chicken Drumsticks: About 10 pieces (it depends on you).
• Olive Oil: 2 to 3 tablespoons for coating the drumsticks.
• Dry Spice Mix or Rub —
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Chili powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: Cayenne pepper for extra heat

Prep Work

With all those ingredients, some pre-works need to be done.

1.     Marinate (Optional but Recommended)

Marinate the drumsticks in a resealable bag or container for 2 to 12 hours before grilling to take the flavor up a notch. A basic marinade might include —

• Olive oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Onion powder
• Minced garlic
• A pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika for added depth

Let the chicken absorb the flavors in the fridge. This step makes the meat juicier and more flavorful.

2.     Prepare Your Dry Rub

If you prefer a dry seasoning approach, here’s a spice mix to coat the drumsticks —

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Mix these spices in a bowl and set aside for seasoning.

3.     Pat the Chicken Dry

Before seasoning, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. It helps the rub stick better and results in a crispy skin.

4.     Oil and Season the Chicken

Toss the drumsticks in olive oil to coat evenly. Then rub the seasoning mix generously onto each piece. It ensures that oil can get under the skin for maximum flavor.

Setting Up the Gas Grill

Well, you need to set up your gas grill in the following ways —

1. Preheat the Grill

Turn on your gas grill and set it to medium-high heat (about 400°F to 450°F). To prevent the chicken from sticking, clean the grates thoroughly and lightly oil them.

2. Create an Indirect Heat Zone

If your grill has multiple burners, turn off one burner to create an area for indirect cooking. It prevents the chicken from charring too quickly while it cooks through.

Grilling the Chicken

This is the most important part, so follow carefully.

1. Start Grilling Over Indirect Heat

Arrange the drumsticks on the cooler side of the grill. Plus, leave some space between each piece to ensure even heat distribution. And close the lid to maintain a steady temperature.

2. Flip Regularly

Cook the drumsticks for 25 to 30 minutes. For even browning, turn them every 5 to 7 minutes. This method ensures a golden, crispy skin and thoroughly cooked chicken without burning.

3. Check Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the drumstick (without touching the bone).

• The safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
• Cooking them to 185°F (85°C) makes the meat even more juicy and tender.

4. Add BBQ Sauce (Optional)

For a sticky, caramelized coating, apply BBQ sauce to the drumsticks during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Turn the drumsticks and apply sauce to the other side. It’ll allow the sauce to thicken and produce slight char marks.

How to Barbecue Chicken Drumsticks: Other Options

Grilling isn’t always possible. The weather might be bad, or you might not know how to connect your gas grill to house propane. Well, don’t worry! You can still enjoy delicious barbecue drumsticks even without a grill.

Let’s explore two simple and reliable methods —

Air Fryer Adaptation

Here’s how you can use an air fryer to barbecue chicken drumsticks —

• Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it heat up.
• Give the basket a light spray of oil so the chicken won’t stick.
• Arrange your drumsticks inside and ensure that there’s a little space between them.
• If your basket is on the smaller side, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook the chicken for 18 to 22 minutes and flip them halfway through so they brown evenly.
• Before serving, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should hit at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Oven Adaptation

Baking drumsticks in the oven is a simple when you follow the given steps —

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
• To make cleanup a breeze, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
• Place the drumsticks on the sheet, leaving some space between them so the heat can circulate properly.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them over about halfway through for even cooking.
• Don’t forget to use a meat thermometer to confirm they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How to Prevent the Chicken Drumsticks from Sticking to the Grill?

Barbecuing chicken drumsticks should be a pleasant and tasty experience, not a fight against them sticking to the grill. Our methods will help you avoid the frustration of sticking and create those desirable grill marks.

• Grab a grill brush and scrape off any leftover food or grease.
• Coat the grill grates lightly with a high-temperature cooking oil like avocado or grapeseed. A folded paper towel, dipped in the oil, works well for this.
• Brush the drumsticks with a thin layer of oil before grilling. It helps to prevent sticking and keeps the meat juicy.
• While grilling chicken drumsticks, avoid flipping them too quickly. If they stick, it means they aren’t cooked enough.
• If sticking is a recurring issue, grill the chicken on a piece of aluminium foil.
• If this doesn’t help, sear the drumsticks at high heat initially, then move them to a less hot part of the grill.

Final Words

Well, how to barbecue chicken drumsticks on gas grill is easier than you think. Just prepare your chicken, marinate it for extra flavor, pat it dry, and season it generously.

Then, grill the drumsticks indirectly and flip them regularly for even cooking. You should use a meat thermometer to check if they are cooked properly. For extra flavor, brush on some BBQ sauce towards the end of grilling.

So, now that you’re ready to give it a shot; grab your tongs and fire up the grill.