No need for utensils here! These scrumptious drumsticks were marinated in a spicy sauce and place them on a hot grill, then you end up with tender and juicy drumsticks that are ever so finger-licking scrumptious! They are definitely a crowd-pleaser!
How is it, that drumsticks grilled taste so good! Is it the spices, marinade, rub or simply placing them on a grill and getting that smoky flavour? Whatever the reason and however you prepare them, they will always be thoroughly enjoyed by kids and adults alike.
This recipe has a bit of a kick, but not spicy hot and you can always reduce the amount of or eliminate the chili powder added. It will not change the flavour or yumminess of these drumsticks. I have these drumsticks marinated in a combination of spices, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil and garlic for hours. When you add them to the grill, just make sure you lower the heat. If it’s too high, they will burn and adjusting to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and if it reaches to 400, they will burn. That has been my experience.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Chicken Drumsticks: I like to use hormone and antibiotic free or organic chicken (on sale), if all possible. For this recipe, look for meaty drumsticks and what I mean by that is make sure they have enough meat around the bone. Sometimes the drumsticks have such a small amount of meat on them and then they dry out and get over cooked.
Spicy Marinade: garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili powder, sea salt blossom with rosemary and thyme (can substitute with regular sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon of each herb) and pepper.
Aioli Sauce: mayonnaise (I like the creaminess of Hellmann’s), garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
WHAT MAKES THESE DRUMSTICKS SO DELICIOUS
It starts with the chicken and purchasing drumsticks that are meaty, and having enough meat around the bone will give you juicy and tender drumsticks. As I mentioned, I prefer hormone/antibiotic free chicken for reasons that they taste better, and this is coming from someone who grew up on a farm eating fresh poultry, meats and produce. If you have a local butcher, that would be an excellent option. They usually buy the meats locally.
Whatever you add to any meat or poultry will give it the flavour. In this recipe, I made up a marinade with spices, garlic, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, sea salt blossom and pepper. Lemon juice will enhance the flavours and it will also tenderize the meat. I like to use a good quality olive oil as it makes such a difference in outcome of the dish.
HOW TO MAKE THESE DELICIOUS DRUMSTICKS
In a medium-large bowl or baking dish, add and stir together garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for the marinade. Add the drumsticks and coat them with the marinade, turning them over a few times to make sure all of the marinade is covering the drumsticks. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
Preheat grill to 350-400°F (175-205°C). Spray or brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the drumsticks on the hot grill and place the lid down. Monitor and turn every 10 minutes to avoid any flare-ups and the chicken from burning. If there are too many flames then reduce the heat. Remove from heat and place in baking dish, cover with foil until ready to eat.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THESE DELICIOUS DRUMSTICKS
- Grilled veggies of your choice such as zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, onions, corn
- Roasted Garlic Asparagus and Heirloom Tomatoes with Feta
- Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables with Herbs
- Homemade Caesar Salad
- Creamy Coleslaw
These drumsticks would make great appetizers or as a meal. However you serve these scrumptious mouthwatering drums, this recipe will never disappoint. I would love to hear your feedback.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT!
STORING
When it comes to grilling, meats and poultry are so delicious and they will continue to be that way as leftovers, especially cold, well it is for me. 🙂 Place the remaining drumsticks in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, no more then 3 days. If you decide to grill vegetables, they are best fresh off the grill.
Spicy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Indoor or Outdoor Grill
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken drumsticks (approx. 6)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- parsley, chopped
Aioli Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a medium-large bowl or baking dish, mix together garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, chili powder, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil for the marinade. Add the drumsticks and coat them with the marinade, turning them over a few times to make sure all of the marinade is covering the drumsticks. Cover and place in the refrigerator 2-4 hours.
- Meanwhile, mix together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Preheat grill to 350-400°F (175-205°C).
- Spray or brush the grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the drumsticks on the hot grill and place the lid down. Monitor and turn every 7 minutes to avoid any flare-ups and the chicken from burning. If there are too many flames then reduce the heat. Grill for 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165℉ or 74℃.
- Remove from heat and place in baking dish, cover with foil until ready to eat.
- Serve with grilled or roasted vegetables and aioli sauce. Enjoy!
