Juicy Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe for Dinner

Sizzling summer evenings call for butterflied grilled chicken drumsticks that promise a juicy, flavor-packed meal straight from the grill.

These perfectly prepared drumsticks unlock a world of delicious possibilities with minimal effort.

Marinating the meat infuses each bite with rich, tangy seasonings that dance across your palate.

The technique of butterflying ensures even cooking and maximum seasoning absorption, creating a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Packed with bold spices and a smoky char, these drumsticks deliver a mouthwatering experience that elevates your outdoor cooking game.

Grilling enthusiasts and home cooks alike will love how simple yet impressive this recipe can be.

Grab your tongs and get ready to impress with a dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Serving Drumsticks Made to Impress

• Flavor-Packed Plate Companions: Pair these juicy drumsticks with creamy tzatziki sauce for a cool Mediterranean twist that complements the smoky grilled meat perfectly.
• Zesty Side Strategy: Serve alongside grilled corn on the cob or a crisp summer salad with fresh tomatoes and cucumber to balance the rich, spiced chicken flavors.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Scatter chopped cilantro or green onions over the drumsticks just before serving to add a bright, fresh layer of flavor that cuts through the meat's richness.
• Weekend Feast Inspiration: Create a backyard barbecue spread by adding some rustic roasted potatoes or a tangy coleslaw that will make these drumsticks the star of your outdoor dining experience.

Save Extras and Reheat Drumsticks Like a Pro

• Quick Chilling Strategy: After cooking, let drumsticks cool down to room temperature within 2 hours, then transfer to airtight containers for refrigeration. This method locks in moisture and prevents bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Lifespan: Store grilled drumsticks in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Always keep them in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness and taste.
• Smart Reheating Technique: When ready to enjoy leftovers, warm drumsticks in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain crispy skin texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual drumsticks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These can be safely stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 24 minutes

Total Time: 54 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks

• Chicken Drumsticks: Premium protein source that becomes wonderfully tender when grilled, selecting fresh drumsticks with smooth skin and no discoloration ensures the best flavor and texture.

• Olive Oil, Garlic: Rich oil helps conduct heat evenly and prevents sticking while garlic adds robust aromatic depth to the chicken's marinade.
• Smoked Paprika, Ground Cumin: Warm spices create a complex, smoky profile that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary grilled dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential minerals that amplify the chicken's natural taste and create a perfect seasoning foundation.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that tenderizes meat and introduces a zesty, refreshing undertone.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that provides a crisp, clean garnish with subtle green notes, adding visual appeal and fresh finish to the grilled drumsticks.

Grill Tools for Drumstick Prep

• Sharp Knife: Essential for carefully butterflying drumsticks, ensuring precise cuts and even cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken thoroughly.
• Whisk: Helps blend marinade ingredients smoothly, creating a well-mixed flavor base.
• Grill: Key tool for achieving smoky, charred exterior and perfectly cooked chicken.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking internal chicken temperature, ensuring safe and proper doneness.
• Tongs: Ideal for safely handling and turning drumsticks on the hot grill.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing and butterflying chicken drumsticks.

How to Grill Butterflied Drumsticks Just Right

Sizzling Summer Chicken Feast

• Grill Preparation Warmup

Get your grill fired up to a toasty medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking zone for juicy drumsticks.

• Drumstick Transformation

Slice each drumstick open like a culinary artist, revealing the meat’s inner potential and maximizing flavor absorption.

• Flavor Magic

Create a tantalizing marinade that whispers exotic spices and zesty notes, transforming ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Flavor Infusion

Let the drumsticks luxuriate in the marinade, soaking up every delicious hint of seasoning for maximum taste explosion.

• Grilling Glory

Lay the drumsticks on the sizzling grill, listening to the satisfying sear and watching those beautiful char marks develop.

• Perfect Doneness

Cook until the chicken reaches its peak deliciousness, ensuring each bite is safely cooked through and bursting with flavor.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh herbs over the drumsticks, adding a vibrant finish that makes your guests’ mouths water instantly.

Spice It Up: Drumstick Flavor Add-Ons

• Flavor Boosting Marinades: Experiment with different marinade combinations like honey mustard, teriyaki, or a spicy Caribbean-style blend to transform the chicken's taste profile.
• Oven-Friendly Alternative: When grilling isn't possible, bake the butterflied drumsticks in a preheated 425°F oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
• Skin Crispiness Hack: Pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the skin crisp up beautifully on the grill, creating a delightful texture contrast with the tender meat.
• Herb-Infused Magic: Try adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade for an extra layer of aromatic complexity that elevates the chicken's natural flavors.
• Leftover Transformation: Slice the grilled drumsticks and toss them into salads, wraps, or grain bowls for a protein-packed meal remix that breathes new life into your leftovers.

Succulent Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 54 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Juicy Butterflied Grilled Chicken Drumsticks bring Mediterranean flavors to summer cookouts with zesty herbs and perfect char marks. Crisp skin and tender meat make this simple recipe a crowd-pleasing option you’ll want to serve again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Activate the grill to medium-high heat, creating an optimal cooking surface for chicken drumsticks. Butterfly each drumstick using a sharp knife to enhance flavor absorption and cooking efficiency.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk together olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice into a cohesive seasoning blend. Completely immerse the butterflied drumsticks, allowing them to marinate for 30 minutes to maximize flavor penetration.
3. Grilling Technique: Place marinated drumsticks skin-side down on preheated grill grates. Cook for 10-12 minutes per side, rotating midway to ensure even caramelization and thorough cooking. Verify doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Finishing Touch: Remove drumsticks from heat and let rest briefly to redistribute internal juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous note to the smoky grilled chicken.

Notes

Butterfly with Care: Use a sharp knife to carefully split drumsticks lengthwise, exposing meat for maximum flavor absorption and even cooking.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in seasoning for at least 30 minutes, allowing spices to penetrate deeply and tenderize the meat thoroughly.

Grill Temperature Matters: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfectly crisp exterior while ensuring juicy, fully cooked interior without burning.

Rest and Garnish Technique: Allow grilled drumsticks to rest briefly after cooking, then finish with fresh parsley to enhance both flavor and presentation.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 24 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg