Name: Grilled Chicken Drumsticks in Flavorful Brine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 chicken drumsticks; 8 cups water; ¼ cup kosher salt; ¼ cup brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 tablespoon black peppercorns; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Description

These Grilled Drumsticks are soaked in a flavorful chicken leg brine to lock in moisture and enhance taste, then grilled to juicy, tender perfection with a nice char. Perfect for cookouts and family dinners, this recipe delivers delicious, tender grilled chicken legs with simple seasonings and an easy brining process.

Ingredients

Chicken Brine

8 chicken drumsticks
8 cups water
¼ cup kosher salt
¼ cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon paprika

For Grilling

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the brine: In a large bowl, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and paprika. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the salt and sugar dissolve completely to create the brine.
Brine the chicken: Submerge the 8 chicken drumsticks into the prepared brine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours to allow the chicken to absorb moisture and flavor.
Dry and season: Remove the drumsticks from the brine and pat them dry carefully with paper towels. Brush each piece with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to enhance flavor before grilling.
Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature between 375–400°F (190–205°C), so the chicken cooks evenly and cooks through while achieving a nice char.
Grill the drumsticks: Place the drumsticks on the grill and cook them for 30 to 35 minutes. Turn them every 5 to 7 minutes to ensure even cooking and avoid burning. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Rest before serving: Once grilled, remove the drumsticks and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender chicken ready to serve.

Notes

Brining the chicken helps it stay extra juicy and flavorful by locking in moisture.
Avoid adding additional salt after brining to prevent oversalting.
This grilled chicken pairs excellently with sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, or potato salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American