Description
Juicy grilled chicken drumsticks soaked in a flavorful brine before grilling, resulting in tender meat, crispy skin, and delicious smoky flavor.
Ingredients
For the Brine
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
For Grilling
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the brine: Combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, crushed garlic, bay leaves, black peppercorns, dried thyme, and lemon slices in a large bowl. Stir well until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved to create a flavorful brining liquid.
- Brine the chicken: Add the 8 chicken drumsticks to the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse and the meat to tenderize.
- Dry the drumsticks: Remove the drumsticks from the brine and thoroughly pat them completely dry with paper towels. Discard the brine to avoid overly salty meat.
- Season the chicken: Rub the drumsticks with olive oil, then sprinkle and rub in smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder evenly over the skin for a flavorful crust.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat to prepare for grilling the chicken drumsticks.
- Grill the drumsticks: Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook for 25 to 35 minutes, turning every few minutes to ensure even browning and cooking on all sides.
- Check doneness: Continue grilling until the thickest part of the drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F), confirming they are safe and fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist.
Notes
- Do not leave the chicken in the brine for more than 4 hours to prevent it from becoming too salty.
- Patting the chicken dry after brining is essential for achieving crispy skin during grilling.
- For an extra smoky flavor, finish the drumsticks over direct high heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side at the end of grilling.
- Serve the grilled drumsticks alongside coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a classic potato salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, BBQ
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
