Fire up the grill and treat your taste buds to these mouthwatering Barbecued Turkey Drumsticks, the perfect blend of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. This recipe combines a quick and flavorful dry rub—featuring paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme—with the irresistible caramelized glaze of your favorite barbecue sauce. The turkey drumsticks are grilled to juicy perfection over indirect heat before being finished with a smoky char on direct heat, ensuring a tender, flavorful bite every time. Ready in just over an hour, these BBQ turkey drumsticks are the ultimate crowd-pleasers for your next backyard cookout, picnic, or family dinner. Pair them with classic barbecue sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a feast that screams summertime indulgence!
Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, ensure coals are evenly distributed and glowing red.
Pat the turkey drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to form a rub.
Brush the turkey drumsticks with the olive oil mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
Place the drumsticks on the grill over indirect heat. Cover the grill and cook for 40 minutes, turning the drumsticks every 10-12 minutes to ensure even cooking.
After 40 minutes, brush the drumsticks generously with barbecue sauce. Move them to direct heat and cook for another 8-10 minutes, turning frequently to prevent burning and ensure the sauce caramelizes.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the drumsticks should read 165°F when inserted into the thickest part, away from the bone.
Once done, remove the drumsticks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve hot with additional barbecue sauce on the side, and enjoy!
Calories |
1768 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.1 g | 108% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.5 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 540 mg | 180% | |
| Sodium | 5618 mg | 244% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 117.4 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 90.6 g | ||
| Protein | 135.5 g | 271% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 238 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 12.1 mg | 67% | |
| Potassium | 2251 mg | 48% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.