There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of chicken hitting a hot grill, especially when you know it’s going to turn into something extraordinary. I discovered this recipe for Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks during one of those lazy summer afternoons, where the sun shines brightly, and the smell of BBQ wafts through the air. With just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can transform humble chicken drumsticks into a masterpiece that’s bursting with flavor and grilled to perfection.
The secret? Butterflying the drumsticks for even cooking allows the spices to penetrate deeply, creating a mouthwatering experience with a delightful charred finish. Add a drizzle of creamy Alabama white sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s not only impressively delicious but also perfect for backyard gatherings or family dinners. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and create unforgettable memories around the table with these juicy, flavorful drumsticks!
Why are Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks a must-try?
Juicy Flavor: Each bite delivers robust flavors thanks to the zesty Creole blend of spices that perfectly complement the tender chicken.
Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can serve a grilled masterpiece that will impress your guests with minimal effort.
Easy to Master: Butterflying the drumsticks might sound tricky, but it’s simple and guarantees even cooking for juicy, tender meat every time.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a hit at any gathering, making it ideal for barbecues or family dinners. For extra flair, try serving it with delicious sides like coleslaw or grilled corn!
Versatile Options: Feel free to switch up the flavor profile with different sauces or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Ingredients
For the Marinade
- Whole Chicken Drumsticks – The main protein, ensuring juicy and flavorful bites.
- Chili Powder – Adds warmth and depth of flavor perfect for BBQ.
- Dark Brown Sugar – Brings sweetness and enhances caramelization on the grill.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor; sea salt works as a great substitute.
- Onion Powder – Infuses a savory element that balances the spices.
- Dried Thyme – Introduces earthy notes that complement the chicken wonderfully.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Provides a sharp, bold kick; swap with white pepper for a milder taste.
- Garlic Powder – Enriches the flavor profile with its savory depth.
- Smoked Paprika – Contributes a smoky richness without extra heat; regular paprika can be used instead.
- Cayenne Pepper – Offers a burst of heat; adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.
- Canola Oil – Keeps the chicken moist and aids in achieving a golden-brown crust.
For Serving
- Alabama White Sauce – A creamy and tangy accompaniment that takes your Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks to the next level.
How to Make Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
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Prep Chicken: Pat the whole chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each leg, ensuring the bone stays intact for even cooking.
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Combine Spices: In a bowl, mix together chili powder, dark brown sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. This fragrant blend is key to flavor.
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Season Chicken: Rub the spice mixture generously and evenly over each butterflied chicken drumstick, making sure to coat under the skin. Let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes while you prepare your grill.
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Preheat Grill: Set your grill to high heat. Once hot, add a light drizzle of canola oil to prevent sticking.
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Sear Chicken: Place the seasoned drumsticks skin-side down on the grill. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until they develop a beautiful char and grill marks.
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Finish Cooking: Carefully move the chicken to indirect heat, cover the grill, and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes. The drumsticks should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the grill, drizzle with Alabama white sauce, and serve hot to your loved ones.
Optional: Serve with grilled corn or coleslaw for a delightful BBQ experience.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Room Temperature: These drumsticks are best enjoyed fresh off the grill. If left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure safety.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warm.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze cooked drumsticks in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: For the best texture, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F until heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes. Enjoy your Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks even after grilling day!
Expert Tips for Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Dry First: Pat the chicken drumsticks dry before seasoning; moisture can prevent the spices from sticking and may hinder that perfect char.
- Butterfly Carefully: Take your time when butterflying to avoid detaching the meat from the bone completely; this ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Monitor Heat: Keep an eye on your grill temperature; too high can scorch the skin while preventing the inside from cooking through; medium-high is perfect.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your drumsticks are cooked to 165°F for safe, juicy results; this avoids the common mistake of undercooked poultry.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to swap the creamy Alabama white sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a different twist on these Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks.
Make Ahead Options
These Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks are perfect for meal prep, making busy weeknights feel a little less hectic! You can season the drumsticks with the spice mix up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen, ensuring each bite is just as delicious as if prepared fresh. For optimal quality, pat the chicken dry before seasoning to enhance browning while grilling. When you’re ready to grill, simply preheat your grill, sear the chicken on both sides, and finish cooking over indirect heat for a perfectly juicy meal with minimal last-minute effort.
What to Serve with Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks?
Elevate your BBQ experience with delightful sides that complement the smoky, juicy flavor of your chicken.
- Creamy Coleslaw: A crisp, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the chicken while providing refreshing crunch.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn bursting with flavor pairs beautifully, enhancing the summer vibe of your meal.
Serve with mashed potatoes for a hearty embrace on your plate. The velvety texture complements the crispy skin of the drumsticks, making each bite a delightful adventure.
- Baked Beans: The smoky sweetness of baked beans is a classic companion, harmonizing wonderfully with spicy grilled meats.
- Potato Salad: A cool, creamy potato salad offers a comforting bite, balancing the savory spices of your chicken with a delightful texture.
And don’t forget a chilled glass of lemonade to refresh, or finish off your meal with a slice of apple pie for a sweet note to remember!
Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Variations
Customize your Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks to make every bite unique and delicious!
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BBQ Sauce Swap: Replace Alabama white sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a classic twist that never disappoints.
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Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil in your spice mix for an aromatic touch that brightens the dish.
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Honey Mustard: Add a honey mustard glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to introduce a sweet and tangy flavor explosion.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or lime zest into the seasoning for a refreshing burst that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Spicy Variante: Mix in some chili flakes or hot sauce to the spice mix to elevate the heat level and tantalize spice lovers.
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Coconut Milk Marinade: Marinate the drumsticks in coconut milk and spices for a tropical twist, giving the chicken a rich and creamy flavor.
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Sweet & Spicy Rub: Combine brown sugar with chipotle powder for a sweet and smoky kick that’s perfect for summer grilling.
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Smoky Maple Syrup: Brush with maple syrup mixed with smoked paprika towards the end of grilling for a delightful sweet and smoky finish.
Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting chicken drumsticks?
Absolutely! When choosing whole chicken drumsticks, look for ones that are plump and have a pinkish hue without any dark spots. The skin should be intact and smooth, indicating freshness. If possible, go for organic or free-range options, as they often have better flavor and texture.
How should I store leftovers of Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks?
Store any leftover drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven, which helps retain the original juicy texture, rather than using a microwave. This way, your leftovers will taste nearly as good as fresh off the grill!
Can I freeze Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks?
Very! You can freeze cooked drumsticks for up to 3 months. First, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
What if the chicken drumsticks are not cooking evenly?
No worries! If you notice uneven cooking, it might be due to grill hot spots. To fix this, try rotating the drumsticks halfway during the cooking time for even distribution of heat. If they’re browning too quickly, move them to a cooler part of the grill and cover for the remainder of the cooking time.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you’re concerned about allergens, make sure to check the spice blend for any potential ingredients like gluten or specific preservatives. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free spices and pair it with sauces that are gluten-free. Also, avoid using the Alabama white sauce if there’s a dairy allergy; a vinegar-based sauce could be a great alternative!
Perfectly Juicy Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the whole chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each leg, ensuring the bone stays intact for even cooking.
- In a bowl, mix together chili powder, dark brown sugar, kosher salt, onion powder, dried thyme, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the spice mixture generously and evenly over each butterflied chicken drumstick, making sure to coat under the skin. Let the flavors meld for about 10 minutes while you prepare your grill.
- Set your grill to high heat. Once hot, add a light drizzle of canola oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned drumsticks skin-side down on the grill. Sear for about 4-5 minutes until they develop a beautiful char and grill marks.
- Carefully move the chicken to indirect heat, cover the grill, and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes. The drumsticks should be tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the drumsticks from the grill, drizzle with Alabama white sauce, and serve hot to your loved ones.