Sizzling Grilled Chicken Drumsticks & Potatoes: Backyard BBQ Recipe

Juicy grilled chicken drumsticks dance with crispy potatoes on a summer barbecue plate that promises pure deliciousness.

Outdoor cooking brings families together around sizzling grill marks and mouthwatering aromas.

Marinated meat promises incredible flavor combinations that will surprise everyone at the table.

Tender chicken becomes the star when paired with perfectly seasoned potato wedges.

Simple ingredients turn this meal into a celebration of classic comfort food.

Minimal preparation and quick cooking make this recipe ideal for relaxed weekend gatherings.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish for your next backyard cookout.

BBQ Highlights of Grilled Chicken Drumsticks & Potatoes

• Transforms an ordinary meal into a delightful grilling experience that brings everyone together, creating memorable moments around the barbecue.
• Requires minimal prep work with straightforward marinating and grilling techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Combines bold seasonings with juicy chicken and crispy potatoes, delivering a mouthwatering combination that satisfies diverse taste preferences.
• Offers a nutritious meal packed with protein and vegetables, using minimal oil and leveraging the grill's ability to cook without excess fat.

What You Need for Chicken Drumsticks & Potatoes

• Chicken Drumsticks: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary protein for this BBQ meal.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
• Garlic, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
• Paprika, Thyme, Rosemary: Provides a complex and herbal seasoning profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
• Honey: Optional ingredient that brings a subtle sweetness and helps with caramelization.

• Potatoes: Starchy side dish that becomes crispy and golden when grilled.
• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Rosemary, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that create a flavorful and crispy potato exterior.

• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that adds a fresh and bright finishing touch to the dish.

Grilling Chicken Drumsticks & Potatoes Made Easy

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh lemon juice
• Honey

Whisk these ingredients together and thoroughly coat the chicken drumsticks.

Allow the chicken to absorb the marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Potato Wedges

Slice potatoes into wedge shapes.

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Dried rosemary
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each potato wedge is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high temperature between 375°F and 400°F.

Clean the grill grates thoroughly and lightly brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill with Precision

Place chicken drumsticks directly on the grill grates.

Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes, rotating periodically to ensure even cooking.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Simultaneously, arrange potato wedges on the cooler side of the grill using indirect heat.

Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway to achieve golden and crispy exteriors.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Remove chicken and potatoes from the grill.

Let the drumsticks rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for added freshness.

Plate and enjoy your perfectly grilled meal!

Tips for Juicy Chicken Drumsticks on the Grill

• Let chicken soak in marinade overnight to infuse rich, complex tastes that penetrate every fiber of the meat.
• Ensure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to create beautiful, appetizing char lines without sticking.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165F, preventing undercooked meat and ensuring food safety.
• Use indirect heat for potatoes to prevent burning while allowing even, crispy exterior and soft interior cooking.
• Allow grilled chicken to sit for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps meat tender and succulent.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Drumsticks & Potatoes

• Seal cooled chicken drumsticks and potatoes in airtight containers, keeping them separate. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual drumsticks and potatoes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place chicken and potatoes on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken and potatoes on a baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F to maintain moisture and flavor.

What to Serve with BBQ Drumsticks & Potatoes

• Elevate Your Grilled Chicken Feast
• Refreshing Citrus Sangria: Blend white wine, orange slices, lemon zest, and a touch of honey to complement the grilled chicken's zesty marinade, creating a bright and cooling summer drink.
• Crisp Cucumber Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light cucumber salad with dill, red onions, and a tangy yogurt dressing to balance the rich, smoky flavors of the grilled drumsticks and potatoes.
• Mediterranean Herb Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick sauce using Greek yogurt, chopped fresh herbs like parsley and mint, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon to add a creamy, herbal dimension to the grilled chicken.
• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with herbaceous notes that will harmonize with the rosemary and thyme in the chicken marinade, enhancing the overall grilling experience.

Flavorful Spins on BBQ Chicken Drumsticks & Potatoes

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets, seasoned similarly. Grill on foil to prevent falling through grates, maintaining the same cooking technique for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Variation: Swap herbs to oregano, mint, and za'atar. Use Greek yogurt marinade with lemon and olive oil for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Rendition: Substitute paprika with Cajun seasoning, add cayenne pepper to marinade. Include bell peppers alongside chicken for extra heat and color, creating a zesty Creole-style grilled meal.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken drumsticks with firm tofu or tempeh, using same marinade and grilling techniques. Marinate plant-based protein longer to enhance flavor absorption and maintain moisture during grilling.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various potato types like Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized wedges for even cooking.

• How can I make sure the chicken is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F (74C) at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can make this recipe in an oven by roasting the chicken and potatoes at 425F for about 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through. For best results, use a baking sheet with a wire rack.

• Can I prepare the marinade and potato seasoning in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the marinades and seasonings up to a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors develop and makes meal preparation faster.

Grilled Drumsticks and Potatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Jamaican jerk chicken drumsticks paired with crispy roasted potatoes bring Caribbean spice directly to dinner tables. Zesty marinade and perfect grill marks promise a mouthwatering meal that pulls you straight into island flavor paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)

Seasonings for Chicken:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Liquid and Additional Flavors:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey (optional)

Potatoes:

• 4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or red)

Seasonings for Potatoes:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and honey in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Submerge chicken drumsticks completely in the aromatic marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Transform potatoes into rustic wedges, creating uniform shapes for even grilling. Massage the wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper until glistening.
4. Ignite the grill to medium-high temperature, targeting 375-400°F. Meticulously clean and lubricate grates to prevent sticking and facilitate beautiful grill marks.
5. Position marinated drumsticks across the hot grill grates, rotating periodically to achieve uniform caramelization. Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 165°F to ensure safe consumption.
6. Simultaneously arrange potato wedges on the grill’s cooler zones, utilizing indirect heat. Rotate midway through cooking to develop a golden, crispy exterior.
7. Remove chicken and potatoes once perfectly grilled, allowing drumsticks to rest for 5 minutes. This pause helps redistribute internal juices, enhancing tenderness.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, presenting a visually appealing and flavor-packed BBQ feast ready to delight.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by marinating chicken overnight in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense taste profiles.
• Prevent potato sticking by thoroughly patting wedges dry before seasoning and ensure grill grates are well-oiled.
• Use a two-zone grilling technique to manage different cooking temperatures, keeping chicken juicy and potatoes perfectly crisp without burning.
• For gluten-free or low-carb variations, substitute potato wedges with grilled zucchini or cauliflower florets, maintaining similar seasoning techniques.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg