How to Cook Juicy Chicken Drumsticks on a Weber Q Grill

Chicken drumsticks are a barbecue staple that never seem to go out of style. Their convenient size meaty texture, and robust flavor make them an ideal choice for both quick weeknight dinners and laidback weekend cookouts. While they can be prepared using various cooking methods drumsticks really shine when infused with smoky flavors on a grill. If you own a Weber Q grill, you’re in luck – this compact grill is perfectly designed for cooking drumsticks to tender, juicy perfection.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process of grilling chicken drumsticks on a Weber Q, from prep to final serving. With just a few simple tips and techniques, you can achieve drumsticks with crispy charred exteriors and moist, flavorful meat. Let’s get grilling!

Prepping the Drumsticks

Proper prep is key to great grilled chicken. First, rinse the drumsticks well under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels afterward. Make sure to get rid of any extra water, as this can stop the food from browning.

Next, lightly coat the drumsticks all over with vegetable oil. This keeps the spices in place and helps the food brown evenly on the grill. For more taste, you can use olive oil or melted butter.

Seasoning is now the fun part! Salt and pepper are always a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to try different spice rubs and marinades. Dry rubs made from paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pack a punch of flavor, and marinades made with lemon and herbs give the meat a bright taste. After seasoning, let the drumsticks sit for 30 minutes so the flavors can soak in.

Setting Up the Weber Q

One of the Weber Q’s best features is how quickly and easily it preheats. Open the grill’s lid and turn all burners to their highest setting. Close the lid and let the grill heat for about 10-15 minutes. Use a grill thermometer to verify that it reaches at least 400-450°F.

Once preheated, clean the grates well with a stiff grill brush. This removes any food residue and prevents the drumsticks from sticking. Turn off the burners, close the lid, and wait 2-3 minutes for the grill’s temperature to stabilize before adding the chicken.

Grilling Technique

For ideal doneness, I recommend grilling the drumsticks using a two-zone indirect/direct method. Place the drumsticks on the cooler side of the grill with the lid closed. This allows them to cook slowly, absorbing smoky flavor for 15-20 minutes.

Once the meat begins to firm up, move the drumsticks directly over the hot side of the grill. Cook with the lid open for 4-6 minutes per side until the skin becomes crispy and charred. Using tongs, rotate the drumsticks frequently so they brown evenly.

Doneness and Carryover Cooking

An instant-read thermometer is the best way to tell if chicken is done. Put it into the thickest part of a drumstick, making sure there are no bones in the way. The interior temperature should register 165°F when they’re fully cooked.

Be aware of carryover cooking – the drumsticks’ temperature will continue rising 5-10°F after removing them from the grill as residual heat equalizes. So I recommend pulling them off a tad underdone, at 155-160°F. Carryover cooking will finish them off perfectly.

Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to reabsorb for a more moist, tender bite. Adding a tangy barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling is a nice touch of added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

A plate of grilled chicken drumsticks doesn’t need much to round out a satisfying barbecue meal. Here are some classic pairings:

• Leafy green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlicky mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
• Buttery corn on the cob
• Skillet beans with bacon and onions
• Crusty bread for dipping juices
• Creamy coleslaw with crunchy carrots

A few slices of watermelon or pineapple make refreshing finishes to cut the richness. Don’t forget cold beers or lemonade to wash it all down!

Weber Q Grill Care

Part of being a grill master is keeping your equipment in tip-top shape. After each use, let the Weber Q cool completely before brushing the grates clean. Use a grill scraper to remove any stubborn stuck-on bits.

It’s also smart to do an occasional deep clean. Remove the grates and wash with warm soapy water. Use a grill brush to scrub the interior lid and body clean of grease buildup.

Storing your Weber Q covered and out of direct sunlight extends its lifespan significantly. With regular care and maintenance, a Weber Q can deliver delicious grilled foods for many years of backyard barbecuing.

Grilling chicken drumsticks on a Weber Q allows you to achieve tender, juicy results with true barbecue flavor. Prepping the meat correctly and following simple grill techniques guarantees ideal doneness and caramelized exterior char. Serve them up hot off the grill alongside classic barbecue sides for a quick yet satisfying meal. Get outside and fire up your Weber Q – those drumsticks won’t grill themselves!