How Long Does It Take to Cook Chicken Drumsticks on the Grill?

Chicken drumsticks are a backyard grilling staple. Their rich flavor and juicy texture make them a crowd favorite. But figuring out the right grill time can be tricky. Undercook them and you risk food poisoning. Overdo it and you’ll end up with dry, chewy meat. So how long should you grill drumsticks for optimal results? This guide has the answers.

What Factors Impact Grill Time?

Several key factors impact how long it takes to cook chicken drumsticks on the grill:

• Thickness – Thicker drumsticks take longer to cook through Thinner ones grill faster

• Bone-in vs. boneless: Drumsticks with bones cook more slowly because the bone keeps the meat warm. Drumsticks without bones cook faster.

• Temperature – Higher grill heat shortens cook time. Lower temperature requires longer grill time.

• Direct vs Indirect Heat – Direct heat grills faster than indirect,

• Lid Open vs Closed – Closing the grill lid traps heat for faster cooking. An open lid increases time.

• Marinated vs Unmarinated – Acidic marinades break down collagen, so marinated meat grills quicker.

• Chicken Temperature – Cold chicken right from the fridge takes longer than chicken at room temp.

Taking these factors into account ensures you nail the timing.

Grill Time Guidelines

Here are general time guidelines based on typical drumstick thickness and grill setup:

Direct High Heat (400-450°F)

• Bone-in, 1-1.5 inches thick: 6-8 minutes per side
• Boneless, 3/4 inch thick: 4-5 minutes per side

Indirect Medium Heat (325-375°F)

• Bone-in, 1-1.5 inches thick: 30-40 minutes total
• Boneless, 3/4 inch thick: 15-20 minutes total

Finish Over Direct Heat

For crispy skin after indirect grilling, sear 2-3 minutes per side over direct high heat.

How to Tell When They’re Done

Visually checking for doneness can be misleading. The most reliable test is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken drumsticks are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

For the best texture, cook to 180-185°F. This lets the collagen fully break down, making the meat tender and juicy.

If you poke it with a fork, the juices should come out clear and not pink. When it’s done, the meat near the bone will start to shrink back.

Common Grilling Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls when grilling drumsticks:

• Not preheating the grill – Starting cold extends cook times.

• Grilling over low heat – Leads to uneven cooking and rubbery skin.

• Cooking too many at once – Causes temperature drop and uneven cooking.

• Not using a meat thermometer – Guessing based on look can lead to undercooking.

• Saucing too early – Causes burnt, sticky skin. Apply glaze in last 5 minutes.

• Overcooking – Leads to dry meat. Use a thermometer and don’t overdo it.

Handy Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Drumsticks

• Pat drumsticks dry before grilling for crispy skin.

• Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before grilling to reduce cook time.

• Coat with oil and seasoning for enhanced flavor.

• Grill over a foil pan to catch drippings for basting.

• Use indirect heat and finish over direct for perfectly done meat and skin.

• Rotate frequently for even cooking.

• Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.

With the right guidelines, grilling chicken drumsticks is foolproof. For direct high heat, plan on 6-8 minutes per side. For indirect medium heat, allow 30-40 minutes total. Always rely on a thermometer for doneness, not just time. Monitor temperature closely and avoid overcooking for finger-licking results. Now go outside and cook some juicy, crunchy drumsticks on the grill.