Grilling chicken drumsticks over charcoal is a delicious way to enjoy a classic barbecue favorite. The smoky flavor and crispy skin that charcoal grilling imparts to the chicken drumsticks is truly irresistible. If you're looking to master the art of grilling chicken drumsticks over charcoal, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly grilled chicken drumsticks every time.
Preparation
Before you start grilling, it’s important to prepare the chicken drumsticks properly. Here’s what you’ll need to do:
Ingredients:
- Chicken drumsticks
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Your favorite seasoning (such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper)
Steps:
- Preheat the Grill: Start by lighting the charcoal in your grill and allowing it to heat up. You'll want the coals to be hot and covered with a layer of ash before you start grilling.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the grill is heating up, prepare the chicken drumsticks by patting them dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up nicely on the grill.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle the drumsticks with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and your chosen seasoning. Use your hands to rub the seasonings into the chicken, ensuring that they are evenly coated.
Grilling
Now that the chicken drumsticks are prepped and ready, it’s time to start grilling.
Steps:
- Arrange the Drumsticks: Place the seasoned drumsticks on the hot grill, positioning them directly over the coals. Be sure to leave some space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking.
- Monitor the Heat: Keep an eye on the grill to maintain a consistent temperature. You may need to adjust the vents to control the airflow and keep the coals hot.
- Flip and Rotate: After a few minutes, use tongs to flip the drumsticks over. Continue to rotate them every few minutes to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides.
- Check for Doneness: The drumsticks are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the drumstick.
Serving
Once the chicken drumsticks are fully cooked, it’s time to take them off the grill and serve them up.
Steps:
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the grilled drumsticks to a clean plate and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the drumsticks with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. Then, serve them alongside your favorite barbecue sides and enjoy!
Grilling chicken drumsticks over charcoal is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy a classic barbecue dish. With the right preparation and technique, you can achieve perfectly grilled chicken drumsticks that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. So fire up the grill, grab a cold drink, and get ready to savor the delicious results of your charcoal grilling expertise.
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