Fire up the grill and get ready for cookout perfection with our mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs recipe! These juicy, tender cuts of dark meat are seasoned to perfection, then cooked and slathered in the BBQ sauce of your choice.
Optional Marinating: Combine the soy sauce and all of the spices and drizzle it over the chicken in a large bowl or plastic bag. Place the chicken in the fridge (covered) for 30 minutes to overnight.If You Don't Plan to Marinate: Sprinkle the spices onto both sides of the chicken and rub the spices into the meat.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400 degrees. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for:Drumsticks will need to cook for about 10-15 minutes on each side.Bone-in chicken thighs will need to cook for 7-10 minutes on each side.Boneless chicken thighs will need to cook for 5-7 minutes on each sidCook time will vary and depend on the thickness of the chicken you are cooking. Use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even grilling.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees in the thickest part of the meat.Optional BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is nearly cooked, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce onto each piece using a basting brush. Continue to grill for 2-3 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and create a flavorful glaze while finishing cooking the chicken.
Remove the chicken from heat and allow the meat to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can season the chicken with any spices you like including store bought chicken rubs or BBQ rubs.The amount of spices and seasoning you need may vary based on the size of your chicken. Use enough to fully coat the meat.Marinating is not necessary, but it will certainly enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. If you have the time I recommend it. Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy end product. If you don’t want to marinate the meat, omit the soy sauce.
