Perfectly Grilled Drumsticks

Drumsticks are perfect for a barbecue, since even the smallest grill can accommodate quite a few drumsticks at a time. More important, when grilled properly, chicken drumsticks are delicious and tender, with crispy, sticky skin, and can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike.

YIELDS 10 DRUMSTICKS

• 10 chicken drumsticks
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper
• ¹⁄₄ cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Lay your drumsticks in a 9x13-inch (20x30- cm) pan or on a baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken. Sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Allow the seasoned drumsticks to rest for 10 minutes before grilling.

Preheat your grill to 350°F (175°C) or medium heat. (A lower temperature is crucial when grilling drumsticks, since chicken on the bone needs more time to cook than meats do. The lower temperature will allow your chicken to cook through without the skin burning or scorching.)

Place the drumsticks on the grill. Rotate every 4–5 minutes with a pair of tongs to keep the chicken from burning. Keep rotating until the internal temperature is 175–180°F (80–82°C) or when all chicken parts look cooked through (approximately 20 minutes). Once cooked through, transfer drumsticks to a serving platter. Brush with your favorite barbecue sauce. Serve and enjoy!

Tip: For a large crowd, just increase the number of drumsticks and the amount of olive oil and spices. Proceed as above.

(Originally featured in Family Table, Issue 699)