Quick and easy grilled chicken drumsticks are the perfect easy weeknight recipe for your grill! They only require three ingredients and are so delicious! Make sure to put these Southwest Grilled Chicken Drumsticks on your menu this week!
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
Simple easy and delicious you’re going to love these drummies, I know we do – I’m a big fan of food with a built in handle, and the kids are too! 😀 With only three ingredients they take just minutes to get on the grill. They cook quickly and are great as a main dish (everyone loves them!), but are also an affordable appetizer. Drumsticks are perfect party food!
Simple steps to make Southwest Grilled Chicken Drumsticks
- Preheat the grill and clean it well. Spray with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken legs from sticking
- Brush the chicken with olive oil. Rub the taco seasoning into the legs.
- Onto the grill they go for about 30 minutes, rotating for even cooking every 10 minutes or so.
Often times when cooking chicken, the fat from the skin drips into the grill and can start flareups. What’s the best way to cook fatty meats without charing them black?
- Keep your grill clean – removing deposits from previous cooking will keep meat from sticking and helps avoid a flame.
- Don’t crowd the food. If an area flares up, move it to a cooler side of the grill.
- Occasionally I’ll even have a piece of foil on one side of the grill, especially when cooking chicken. If there’s a flameout you can move it right on top of the foil to avoid the fire. Just be sure to spray it with non-stick cooking spray so it doesn’t stick.
- Remove or trim excess fat.
My recipes (most times!) start with preheating the grill.
Why is it important to preheat your grill? Can’t you just turn it on high heat or light the flame and be ready to go? Here’s what happens when you flip a switch and start…
- It takes longer for the food to cook which will (often times) result in overcooked or dry food.
- You don’t get that great char on the outside. The char isn’t just for looks, it actually equates to more flavor! The sugars caramelize and that makes everything taste better.
- Preheating the grill will keep food from sticking. It will be easy to flip once it’s gotten that tasty char on the outside.
If you’re looking for an extra flavor POP, add the marinade to the drumsticks and tuck them back in the fridge. Chicken can be marinated up to two days in the refrigerator. Serving up a big platter of Southwest Chicken Drumsticks topped with some minced cilantro and wedges of lime will make them extra special!
How long to grill chicken drumsticks?
About 30 minutes – rotate every 10 minutes or so. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 185-190 degrees.
Here are a few more of my favorite chicken drumstick recipes from the website!
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Legs on the Grill
- Grilled Ranch Chicken Drumsticks
The holiday isn’t around the corner…. it’s here! I’d love to hear what you grilled up for your family! If you made (or are making!) this yummy recipe, be sure to comment below or tag me on Instagram at @gimmesomegrilling
- 2 lb chicken legs
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2-3 Tbsp taco seasoning
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Preheat grill to 350 degrees. Make sure to clean and spray with non-stick spray or brush with oil to prevent chicken legs sticking.
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Brush chicken legs with olive oil. Rub taco seasoning into chicken legs. I lift the skin up and rub it underneath the skin to get the flavor right on the meat if you can.
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Grill for 30 minutes, rotating every 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 185-190 degrees F.
Directions to make these in the oven -
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Prepare the chicken legs according to directions.
Place chicken legs on a baking rack that's on a baking sheet with side and that has been brushed with oil.
Bake for 45 minutes or internal temperature is 185 - 190 degrees F. Rotate chicken halfway through cooking.
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