How Long to Grill Chicken Drumettes for Juicy, Crispy Perfection Every Time

Ever found yourself standing over a hot grill chicken drumettes in hand wondering “how long do I cook these things?” I’ve been there too! Nothing ruins a backyard BBQ faster than serving up rubbery, undercooked chicken or dry, burnt drumettes that taste like charcoal.

After years of trial and error (and yes, some embarrassing BBQ fails), I’ve finally mastered the perfect timing for grilling these tasty little morsels. In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about grilling chicken drumettes – from prep to plate – with a focus on the most important question: exactly how long to grill them for the best results.

What Are Chicken Drumettes?

Before we fire up the grill, let’s get clear on what we’re cooking Chicken drumettes are the upper part of the chicken wing, consisting of a single bone surrounded by juicy meat They’re often confused with regular chicken wings, but drumettes are the meatier, “drumstick-like” portion that provides more bang for your buck.

Each drumette typically weighs about 1.5 to 2 ounces, making them perfect for grilling because they:

• Cook relatively quickly
• Absorb marinades beautifully
• Have a natural “handle” for easy eating
• Provide a good meat-to-skin ratio for that perfect crispy-juicy contrast

The Perfect Grilling Time for Chicken Drumettes

Let’s cut to the chase – here’s the timing you need for perfectly grilled chicken drumettes

At a grill temperature of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C), chicken drumettes typically take 25-30 minutes to cook thoroughly.

However, this isn’t just a matter of setting a timer and walking away. The process works best when broken down into stages:

1. Initial searing: 5-7 minutes over direct heat (high flame)
2. Continued cooking: 20-23 minutes over indirect heat
3. Final glazing (if using sauce): Last 5 minutes

Remember that these times are guidelines – the exact timing will depend on your grill, the size of your drumettes, and how crowded your grill surface is. The most important factor is reaching the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Preparing Chicken Drumettes for the Grill

Perfect grilling starts with proper preparation. Here’s how I get my drumettes ready:

Cleaning and Drying

1. Rinse drumettes under cold water to remove any residual blood or impurities
2. Pat them completely dry with paper towels (this is crucial for crispy skin!)
3. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling

Marinating for Flavor

Marinating isn’t just about flavor – it helps tenderize the meat and keep it juicy during grilling. For best results:

• Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is even better
• Overnight marination in the refrigerator works wonders for flavor
• If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute marinade is better than nothing

My go-to simple marinade includes:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Seasoning Options

If you prefer dry rubs over marinades, these seasonings work great:

• Salt and pepper (the classics never fail)
• Garlic powder and onion powder (adds depth without burning)
• Paprika (for color and mild flavor)
• Cajun seasoning (for a spicy kick)
• BBQ dry rub (for that classic barbecue flavor)

Grilling Techniques for Perfect Drumettes

The secret to perfectly grilled chicken drumettes isn’t just about timing – it’s about technique. Here’s how I approach it:

Direct vs. Indirect Grilling

I always use a combination approach:

Direct Grilling (food placed directly over heat source):

• Creates a crispy, caramelized exterior
• Should be used for the first 5-7 minutes of cooking
• Requires frequent turning to prevent burning

Indirect Grilling (food placed away from direct heat):

• Allows meat to cook through without burning
• Perfect for the majority of the cooking time
• Creates juicy, tender meat

Setting Up Your Grill

For gas grills:

• Heat one side to medium-high and leave the other side off or on low
• Start drumettes on the hot side, then move to the cooler side

For charcoal grills:

• Pile most coals on one side of the grill
• Sear drumettes over the hot side, then move to the cooler side

The Two-Zone Fire Method

This is my favorite approach for perfect drumettes every time:

1. Zone 1 (Hot): Used for initial searing to create crispy skin
2. Zone 2 (Medium/Low): Used for the majority of cooking time to cook through without burning

How to Tell When Chicken Drumettes Are Done

There are three reliable ways to check for doneness:

1. Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure drumettes reach 165°F (74°C) at their thickest point. This is the ONLY foolproof method!

2. Visual Check: Cut into the thickest part of a drumette – the meat should be white with no pink areas, and juices should run clear.

3. Texture Test: Properly cooked drumettes feel firm but not rubbery when pressed. The meat should pull away from the bone easily.

I always use a meat thermometer because it’s the safest way to ensure chicken is fully cooked without guessing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there – the drumettes looked perfect but ended up disappointing. Here are the mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to):

1. Skipping the marinade: This leads to bland, dry meat
2. Cooking at too high heat throughout: Results in burnt outsides and raw insides
3. Overcrowding the grill: Prevents even cooking and creates steam instead of char
4. Constantly lifting the lid: Releases heat and extends cooking time
5. Adding sauce too early: Causes burning and bitter flavors
6. Relying on cooking time alone: Different grills and drumette sizes require temperature checking

Adding Smoky Flavor to Your Drumettes

Want to take your drumettes to the next level? Try adding wood chips to your grill:

1. Choose the right wood: Hickory and applewood are classics for chicken
2. Soak the chips: 30 minutes in water prevents rapid burning
3. Add at the right time: Place on coals or in smoker box at the beginning of cooking
4. Monitor smoke levels: Too much smoke creates bitter flavors

My Favorite Grilled BBQ Chicken Drumettes Recipe

Here’s a recipe that never fails to impress:

Ingredients:

• 24 chicken drumettes
• 4 tablespoons spicy Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup hickory BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-hot (around 350°F)
2. Season drumettes all over with Cajun seasoning
3. Place on preheated grill and cook with lid closed for 12-15 minutes on first side
4. Turn drumettes over and continue cooking for another 10-12 minutes
5. When drumettes are almost done (about 2 minutes away from fully cooked), brush with BBQ sauce
6. Turn and brush the other side with sauce
7. Allow to cook for a final 2-3 minutes until sauce is set but not burnt
8. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving

Total cooking time: 25-30 minutes

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Drumettes Every Time

After many grill sessions, here are my pro tips:

• Keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame flare-ups
• Don’t fully cook before adding sauce – they’ll end up overdone and dry
• Let rest for 5 minutes after grilling for juicier meat
• Grill extra because they’ll disappear faster than you think!
• Use tongs, not forks to turn (prevents juices from escaping)

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve my grilled drumettes with:

• Crisp veggie sticks
• Ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce
• Light, refreshing salads
• Cold beverages (beer for adults, lemonade for kids)

Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Drumettes

Drumettes aren’t just tasty – they’re nutritious too:

• High in protein (about 12g per drumette)
• Rich in B vitamins, especially niacin and B6
• Low in carbohydrates (great for low-carb diets)
• Contain healthy fats that contribute to satiety

Grilling chicken drumettes doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right preparation, technique, and timing, you can create perfectly juicy, crispy drumettes every time. Remember the magic formula: 375°F-400°F for about 25-30 minutes total, starting with direct heat and finishing with indirect.

The most important thing is to ensure they reach that safe internal temperature of 165°F, regardless of how long it takes. Use a good meat thermometer, and you’ll never serve undercooked or overcooked drumettes again!

Now fire up that grill and get cookin’! Your perfectly grilled chicken drumettes are just 30 minutes away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill frozen chicken drumettes?
While possible, it’s not recommended. Thawed drumettes cook more evenly and absorb marinades better. If you must cook from frozen, add about 50% more cooking time and be extra careful checking temperatures.

How many drumettes should I serve per person?
For appetizers, plan on 4-6 drumettes per person. As a main dish, 8-10 per person is a good estimate. When in doubt, make extra!

Can I use this same timing for regular chicken wings?
Wing flats (the middle section) cook slightly faster than drumettes. If cooking both, either separate them or place the flats on a cooler part of the grill and add them a few minutes after the drumettes.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover grilled drumettes?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for best texture. Microwaving makes them rubbery, and re-grilling risks drying them out.

Can I use the same method for oven-baking drumettes?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through. For crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.