Crispy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with an Alabama White Sauce
Crispy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with an Alabama White Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks, butterflied
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons favorite barbecue seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For the Alabama White Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise, full-fat
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken drumsticks: Using a sharp knife, make two deep cuts along the bone of each drumstick, one on each side, to open up the meat and create a flatter surface. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bone. This technique, known as butterflying, increases surface area for seasoning and crispiness.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
Season the chicken: Place the butterflied drumsticks in a large metal bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Generously sprinkle with your favorite barbecue seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly covered.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Prepare the grill: Prepare a charcoal grill for direct, medium-high heat. Arrange hot coals on one side of the grill grate. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Make the Alabama White Sauce: While the grill heats, in a medium glass bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Grill the chicken: Place the seasoned drumsticks directly over the hot coals. Grill for 20-25 minutes, flipping every 3-5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat and the skin is crispy with good char marks. If flare-ups occur, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill temporarily.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 165
- 6
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful meat. Serve hot with a generous side of the homemade Alabama white sauce for dipping or drizzling.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Crispy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with an Alabama White Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 8 chicken drumsticks, butterflied
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons favorite barbecue seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For the Alabama White Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise, full-fat
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken drumsticks: Using a sharp knife, make two deep cuts along the bone of each drumstick, one on each side, to open up the meat and create a flatter surface. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bone. This technique, known as butterflying, increases surface area for seasoning and crispiness.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
Season the chicken: Place the butterflied drumsticks in a large metal bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Generously sprinkle with your favorite barbecue seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring all surfaces are thoroughly covered.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Prepare the grill: Prepare a charcoal grill for direct, medium-high heat. Arrange hot coals on one side of the grill grate. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Make the Alabama White Sauce: While the grill heats, in a medium glass bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Grill the chicken: Place the seasoned drumsticks directly over the hot coals. Grill for 20-25 minutes, flipping every 3-5 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat and the skin is crispy with good char marks. If flare-ups occur, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill temporarily.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 165 - 6
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and flavorful meat. Serve hot with a generous side of the homemade Alabama white sauce for dipping or drizzling.
⏱️ 5 min