Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this irresistible Spicy Barbecued Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken drumsticks are coated in a bold, smoky marinade made with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of brown sugar for balanced heat and sweetness. Infused with zesty lemon juice and fiery hot sauce, these drumsticks are grilled to perfection, delivering a tantalizing combination of smoky char and caramelized barbecue sauce. Ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners, this recipe is quick to prep and perfect for feeding a crowd. Pair it with grilled corn or a crisp coleslaw for a complete, flavor-packed feast. Whether you're a barbecue enthusiast or a spice lover, this Spicy Barbecued Chicken is guaranteed to be your next grilling favorite!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, kosher salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add the olive oil, hot sauce, and lemon juice to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly to form a thick spice marinade.
Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Add them to the bowl and rub the marinade all over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). If using a charcoal grill, prepare a two-zone fire by stacking coals on one side for direct heat and leaving the other side for indirect heat.
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 20 minutes. Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
Place the drumsticks on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 30 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
After 30 minutes, brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce and move them to direct heat. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, turning and basting with more sauce until the chicken is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges, if desired.
Calories |
2224 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 105.7 g | 136% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.7 g | 128% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 744 mg | 248% | |
| Sodium | 4694 mg | 204% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.1 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 101.6 g | ||
| Protein | 183.8 g | 368% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 260 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 13.4 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 2937 mg | 62% | |
*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.