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Crispy Cola-Glazed Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

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A quick and easy grilled chicken drumsticks recipe featuring a sweet, sticky cola glaze that caramelizes to create a crispy, flavorful skin perfect for BBQs and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks, skin-on and bone-in
  • 1 cup (240 ml) regular cola (not diet)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse the drumsticks and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Set aside.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cola, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until sugar dissolves and spices blend well.
  3. Lightly brush each drumstick with oil to help the glaze stick, then toss the drumsticks in half of the cola glaze, coating all sides evenly. Reserve the other half for basting.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 375°F / 190°C). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  5. Place drumsticks skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to avoid burning. After the first 10 minutes, start basting with the reserved cola glaze every 5 minutes. Watch for flare-ups and move drumsticks if needed.
  6. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If unavailable, pierce the thickest part and check that juices run clear.
  7. Remove drumsticks from grill and tent with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and finish glazing.
  8. Give the drumsticks a final brush of any remaining glaze and serve hot.

Notes

Dry the chicken skin thoroughly for crispiness. Brush glaze in layers to avoid burning. Watch for flare-ups and move chicken to indirect heat if needed. Rest chicken before serving to keep it juicy. If no grill is available, bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, basting halfway through.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, cola glaze, BBQ chicken, crispy chicken drumsticks, easy summer recipe, backyard BBQ, sweet and smoky chicken

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/crispy-cola-glazed-grilled-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-perfect-bbq-meal/