How Long Does It Take to Grill Chicken Drummies? Master Perfect Drumsticks in 30-35 Minutes

Grilled chicken drumsticks

Let’s face it – there’s nothing worse than biting into a chicken leg that’s either raw in the middle or dry as the Sahara I’ve been there, standing over my grill wondering if those drumsticks are done yet After years of trial and error (and some questionable results), I’ve finally nailed down the perfect timing for juicy, crispy chicken drummies that’ll make you the star of any backyard BBQ.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about grilling chicken drumsticks to perfection – from prep to plate in about 35 minutes.

The Quick Answer

Chicken drumsticks typically take 30-35 minutes to grill at a temperature of 375°F to 450°F. But there’s more to it than just watching the clock! For truly amazing drummies, you’ll need the right temperature, proper preparation, and a target internal temperature of 185°F (not the standard 165°F).

Why Chicken Drumsticks Need Higher Internal Temperature

Here’s something that surprised me when I first learned it: while chicken is technically safe to eat at 165°F, drumsticks actually taste better when cooked to a higher temperature of about 185°F.

Why? Drumsticks have more connective tissue and collagen that breaks down between 170°F and 185°F. This breakdown is what gives you that tender, fall-off-the-bone texture everyone loves. Cook only to 165°F, and your drummies might be safe but they’ll likely be tough and stringy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Perfect Chicken Drummies

What You’ll Need:

• Chicken drumsticks (as many as you need)
• Olive oil or cooking oil
• Your favorite seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder work great)
• A grill (gas or charcoal)
• Meat thermometer (seriously, don’t skip this!)

1. Prepare Your Chicken (10 minutes)

First things first, get those drummies ready:

• Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels (crucial for crispy skin!)
• Trim any excess skin and loose pieces, especially around the joint
• Brush with olive oil (about 2 tablespoons for 6-8 drumsticks)
• Season generously – don’t forget to get seasoning under the skin for maximum flavor
• Let them sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes if you have time (this helps them cook more evenly)

Pro tip: Season under the skin as well as on top. Not everyone eats the skin, so you want flavor throughout the meat.

2. Prepare Your Grill (5 minutes)

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F surface temperature)
• Clean the grates thoroughly
• Oil the grates to prevent sticking (this is super important!)

3. Grill Those Drummies (30-35 minutes)

Now for the main event:

1. Place drumsticks on the grill over direct heat
2. Close the lid (yes, keep it closed!)
3. Flip them every 5 minutes for even cooking
4. Continue grilling until they reach an internal temperature of 185°F

The key timing breakdown:

• Total grill time: 30-35 minutes
• Flip interval: Every 5 minutes
• Target temperature: 185°F internal

4. Rest Before Serving (5 minutes)

Don’t skip this step! Let your perfectly grilled drummies rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made all these mistakes so you don’t have to:

• Skipping the marinade or seasoning: Even simple salt and pepper makes a difference
• Cooking at too high a temperature: This burns the outside while leaving the inside raw
• Not using a meat thermometer: Temperature is more reliable than time
• Opening the grill lid too often: Every peek lets heat escape
• Overcrowding the grill: Give those drummies some space!
• Cooking only to 165°F: Remember, 185°F is the sweet spot for drumsticks

Flavor Variations to Try

Chicken drumsticks are like a blank canvas – here are some ways to make them your own:

• Classic BBQ: Add your favorite BBQ sauce in the last 5-10 minutes of grilling
• Smoky: Add soaked wood chips to your grill for extra flavor
• Spicy: Add cayenne or hot sauce to your seasoning mix
• Honey glazed: Brush with honey during the last few minutes of grilling
• Herbed: Try Italian seasoning, oregano, or rosemary

Signs Your Chicken Drummies Are Done

Beyond just timing, look for these indicators:

• Internal temperature reads 185°F on your meat thermometer
• Juices run clear (not pink) when you cut into the thickest part
• Meat feels firm but not rubbery when pressed
• Skin is crispy and golden brown
• Meat starts to pull away from the bone

Troubleshooting Tips

“My drumsticks are burning on the outside but raw inside!”

This usually means your grill is too hot. Try using indirect heat – sear them for 5-7 minutes over direct heat, then move to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.

“The skin isn’t getting crispy enough.”

Make sure you pat the drumsticks completely dry before seasoning and grilling. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin!

“My chicken looks pink even though it’s cooked.”

Don’t worry! Sometimes chicken (especially drumsticks) can look slightly pink even when fully cooked. This can happen with older chicken or previously frozen meat. As long as your thermometer reads 185°F, you’re good to go.

What to Serve with Your Perfect Drummies

Great sides make great drummies even better:

• Pasta salads (tortellini caprese is amazing!)
• Potato salad
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Coleslaw
• Baked beans

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Reheat in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes for best results
• While microwaving works, it’ll make the skin soft (the oven helps crisp it back up)

Final Thoughts

Grilling chicken drumsticks isn’t complicated once you know the secrets. The main things to remember are:

1. Preheat properly to 450°F
2. Cook for 30-35 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes
3. Use a meat thermometer to reach 185°F internal temperature
4. Let them rest before serving

Master these steps, and you’ll never serve undercooked or dried-out chicken drummies again. Your family and friends will be begging for your secret technique!

So fire up that grill and get cooking – perfect chicken drummies are just 35 minutes away!

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Grill chicken drumsticks for about 25-35 minutes at a temperature of 400-450°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 185°F.

Flip chicken legs on the grill every 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking, crisp skin, and good grill marks without burning.