How to Make Grilled Spice-Rubbed Chicken Drumsticks

Dan shows Julia how to make perfect Grilled Spice-Rubbed Chicken Drumsticks.
Get the recipe for Grilled Spice-Rubbed Drumsticks: cooks.io/2U7Vft2
Buy our winning grill tongs: cooks.io/2IOa1zQ
ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.
If you like us, follow us:
americastestkit...
/ americastestkitchen
/ testkitchen
/ testkitchen
/ testkitchen

[@skinnylegend-7330]

3 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp paprika 1 tbsp chilli powder 2 tsp garlic powder 3/4 tsp table salt 3/4 tsp ground black pepper 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

[@petebutterjuice]

Thanks man

[@FuNkEyMoNKeY288]

Making this up right now, I'll let you guys know how it goes!

[@mr.a.]

Doing Gods work! Thank you 🙏

[@jun7742]

Thanks👍

[@hilaryquinn8673]

I will try this method in the oven. Thanks!

[@ChamrsDeluxe]

I've been using this cooking methodology with my own rubs and marinades which always produces the juciest most tender drummies I've ever had. Tried the actual rub recipe today and it was reeeaaallly good. 10/10 overall, would recommend.

[@justinhetrick968]

Great recipe! I make chicken legs all the time on the grill and I will definitely try out this rub! Thanks!

[@musicman195959]

I'm having drumsticks for today's Super Bowl. 🍗

[@Deanwinter88]

Owww, can I have two? 😁

[@thomasperez4412]

Dan your hotter than the chicken drumsticks. Just saying. Julia your always great. Tom in Minneapolis.

[@wheredidileavemycell]

3 tbs brown sugar 1 tbs paprika 1 tbs chili powder 2 tsp garlic powder 3/4 tsp table salt 3/4 tsp ground black pepper 1/4 tsp cayenne Mix. Rub. Roast America's Test Kitchen forces you to sign up with a credit card just to see their fucking recipe. Smdh.

[@thejollyfrog640]

Started off with 13 drumsticks. Ended cooking 15. This special rub is magical. Love it.

[@ElijahPerry-bp5cw]

That's because they already have a batch ready to save studio time.

[@Dinnizzel97]

Dan is my favorite, he could be reading the most boring book ever and I'd listen to the whole thing

[@KevinHullinger]

Dans the man!!! Made this exact recipe including 1 hour brine. It’s really good. I did have to add about 1 teaspoon of salt to rub after initially tasting it. Juicy tender drums and I used charcoal grill. It’s easy and a keeper for sure.

[@kconrad5893]

What’s with the cult obsession over him? I can’t stand his mouth.

[@kathleendexter5999]

I would like to say a heartfelt and sincere “THANK YOU” for your current plethora of videos that focus on well-cooked and perfectly seasoned proteins here of late. From Chinese BBQ pork to this recipe to pan-seared steaks with compound butter, your channel has been inspirational and a Blessing to those seeking a healthy diet. With the Ketogenic Lifestyle, I’ve successfully reversed my Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis (the black dots in my vision have completely disappeared) as well as helping me combat the ravages of chemotherapy whilst undergoing both cancer treatment and surgery (DMX) for HER2+ Stage 3, Class C breast cancer with metastases. Keto has given me a new lease on life and I’m nearing three (3) years in full remission. Thank you all again. I am easily able to convert the majority of your seasonings into a low-carb version with Keto-friendly ingredients. Bless you all!

[@jamesjfisk4968]

Congratulations on the diabetes diagnosis! Keto has improved my health too.

[@paulsummerhill297]

Ok

[@passiveagressive4983]

Kathleen Dexter good for you!!

[@mddell58]

Wondering if you've ever watched Dr. BERG.... He has more than 2,500 short YT videos, & millions of followers. He's amazing!! How are you doing now?

[@kathleendexter5999]

D Hoosier Hello. Yes, I’ve seen many videos by Dr. Eric Berg. He’s a good person and is learned. I enjoy his video but I’ve stopped watching them after the pandering for his vitamins and food supplements. While I am 100% behind Capitalism, I like learning for free and using the internet to help me become my own health advocate. I am doing so very well. Thank you for asking. ❤️

[@dubiousprime2021]

it's like a mom and son show. and as a son who loved cooking with madre, i approve.

[@ellagreen4336]

♥♥♥

[@kamotetops1572]

"The lowly drumstick" SAY WHAT NOW?!

[@cindymoritz7226]

I love any ATK recipes. But Dan explains the process in such an easy way to understand and makes me want to try. Chicken legs are a tasty affordable meat & any recipe that ATK takes on is worth a try. THANKS.

[@victorbenner539]

Thanks for doing this vid. I like doing brines,honestly never thought about doing it to legs and thighs. And going with that higher temp. I will definitely give it a try. One last thing. More Dan,more Dan.😁👍😁👍

[@roberttolbert4392]

Thanks for cooking food that I can actually buy the ingredients for at Kroger,s . The "other" cooking shows are shows made by pretentious snob . Sorry I can't go to Sicly for the ingredients . Milk Street . Go away .

[@jeannewitter8419]

I have had terrible experiences cooking drumsticks. Because of your video I am renewed and shall be trying this recipe this week. Thank you so much!

[@vikramkrishnan6414]

Personal recommendation: yogurt marinade. Total game changer for dark meat on a chicken

[@LorraineClough-l7q]

I was never a big fan of chicken drumsticks until I tried this recipe. I made these on two different occasions and both times they turned out great. The first time I barbecued them and the second time I cooked them in the oven. So good.

[@janedoe805]

Dan you did it again! Those look so freakin’ delicious! But, you forgot to say, “Ta-da!” when you did your big reveal!

[@jusssayin480]

I never realized before that they film the indoor scenes separately from the outdoor grilling scenes. You can tell they do that because Dan's hair is styled differently in the two scenes.

[@RabbitsInBlack]

It's TV. Nothing is real and everything takes days to make.

[@ubza2004]

Viewers love Dan!👍🏻🐾

[@madthumbs1564]

I would eat the corn out of his garden.

[@jade8568_VR]

Simple recipe with simple ingredients, with directions anyone can follow... not only that, but I appreciate learning all of the reasoning behind it all! I jumped on the Keto train about 1 month or so ago & lost about 15 lbs. It's not as easy as many make it out to be, but with all of your awesome keto friendly recipes, at least I know my taste buds will be happy!! Thank you ATK! Now...if you guys could only come up with a way to give me more will power to stay away from real sugar lol.... 🙄😂😉

[@thomascondon9549]

Hey, what about those of us without a grill? Can we broil or bake instead?😮

[@edwardpate6128]

I bake mine all the time and they come out great!

[@johnnygallardo76]

"I brined these for a full hour because I really want to be extra juicy just for you" LOL!!!!!

[@48956l]

my gut tells me you could do this in an oven with a bake and a broil but I'm wondering the time and temp. Maybe 350 for 45 and just a couple minutes under the broiler?

[@dannyr313]

I was thinking the same thing about the oven and broiler method😁👍

[@locutus1126]

I got one of those chicken leg racks. I use a similar dry rub and roast about 35-40 minutes, pending how thick they are. Then last 5 with broiler to crisp up the skin. Works great. I put potatoes under the legs to they catch the grease drippings, for the creamiest potatoes. The leg rack is to make healthier chicken by not cooking in the grease but them I let it fall on the potatoes but they are soooo good

[@chucktallior786]

8:53 best c u later ever 🙊

[@ChopChou]

Thanks for this delicious looking recipe. I don’t have access to a BBQ grill. But have an electric oven with a grill too. Could you please tell us what temp and how long one would cook these in. Please break this down with oven and grill parameters. Thank you.

[@gn2932]

Someone from ATK please respond.

[@jmar8507]

Don't know if it helps, but they did say to cook them to 185-190* F on the grill and then move them to the hot side to crisp up. I would suppose, as others are saying, that you could do that second part under the broiler.

[@ltkell2028]

I made these AND THEY TURNED OUT FANTASTIC & I MADE THE NEW ENGLAND BAKED BEANS, THEY ARE THE NEW ONES I'M SERVING!! MY FAMILY LOVED THEM!!! THANKS FOR ALL THE RECIPES, THEY'RE ALL GREAT!!

[@gena7359]

I cant wait to try those beans! I started my beans soaking tonight!

[@GNappers]

That worked great. I brined my drums a little different with rosemary, dried basil, bay leaves, sliced lemons, roasted garlic and other seasfir two days in the fridge. That was enough flavor I didn’t have to roll in seasoning. The cooking process was very helpful. Thank you!

[@JamesCarneval]

The thumbnail says drumstucks

[@johndevanwayne4272]

O RLY?

[@dchenkin02]

Curious whether this recipe would work if you smoked the drumsticks. Seen other recipes where ATK uses woodchips to smoke food on a gas grill.

[@timhunter858]

Thanks for sharing this video. I have watched your shows over and over again and tried some recipes an loved them all. I have just tried your seasoning and it was delicious. I will be sharing this with all my closest friends and family

[@1tinac]

I really like all of the tips in this recipe. These come out amazing following every step.

[@1000KNg]

Instead of using a BBQ grill, what temperature and how long should I set if I use an air fryer? Thanks.

[@eddiebondo7897]

Great recipe! I love the sweetness of the rub. Be very careful on the last step cooking over direct heat, as it's easy to burn the skin.

[@williamriley2528]

"These Ones"...??? Seriously...??? Try proper english by using just "These"...! They'd be better if you cooked them by hanging them on a vertical drumstick rack over indirect heat...!

[@kevincolwell2115]

I love this format so much!

[@mdvener]

I learned from a friend, witch takes time, trial n error, that putting thighs, breasts, or wings, that 2 to 4 minutesin micro, then season, cook on grill using indirect heat, the micro heats the bone, does nothing to the meat, but cuts the cooking time way down cause the bone is already hot. Been doing this for years with no complaints. 6 to 8 thighs seasoned with brown sugar n jerk seasoning, takes about 20, 25 minutes. Takes awhile to learn how long in micro. Will have to try your rub. Thanks.

[@madthumbs1564]

It's more that the micro cooks about an inch into the meat rather then just heating from the outside.

[@gena7359]

We made these tonight and they were amazing! It did remind me of a reverse sear method. I used a chipotle chili powder as well. Great recipe and thank you for sharing!

[@H2Dwoat]

Hi, I think this is the first time in ages that I have heard a chef using table salt!!! No fancy Himalayan pink rock salt blessed by the Dali lama 🤪. I don’t actually have table salt any more, is it essential or will sea salt do? Also, any way of cooking them in the kitchen rather than on a BBQ grill?

[@madthumbs1564]

Salt matters in a recipe if it's a finishing salt. Maldon to top desserts, Redmond Sea Salt for popcorn, soft pretzels get their own, etc or it matters when measuring (unless weighting). If I could find a non-Kosher salt; I'd use that for table salt, but until then I'd use Diamond Crystal for Kosher and table.

[@kamotetops1572]

When brining, you go for a much cheaper salt. It is just a WASTE of money to brine with those expensive salts.

[@ALegitimateYoutuber]

@@madthumbs1564 Ya the only time the salt actually matters is if you sprinkle it on at the end. Since it will just dissolve other wise and well be just like every other salt. I personally just use table salt, because cheap, easy to use, and it's small grain works better for most meats since it dissolves faster.

[@H2Dwoat]

Kamote Tops: hi, I hear you about the cost. The reason I only have sea salt is that I am just starting to get into fermentation and table salt tends to have iodine in it which is a no no. I’m assuming this will have no affect on brining meat.

[@julianbiragnet]

All salt comes from the sea some way or another lol if you're using kosher or coarse salt and you're measuring by volume , you'll need to use more (larger crystals means less salt fits in your measuring utensil , the reverse is true for table salt ) He's probably using table salt because 1 : it will dissolve in the brine easier than coarse salt 2 : disperse into the spice rub better than a coarser salt And the reason you see most chefs use kosher salt is because it never has iodine in it which can leave an after taste and because it's coarser , its much easier to control how much youre putting in ( a pinch of kosher salt might weigh 3 grams but a pinch of table salt might be 5 or 6 since the crystals are smaller you can fit more in your hand )

[@evolancer211]

Don't know what kind of BBQs you guys go to but I've never had an issue with BBQd drumsticks

[@kentyler966]

I used to try to do chicken legs on the grill and they always came out tuff and chewy. I think you’ve found the solution to my problems. Thank you.

[@thejam2863]

I would add a thin coating of bbq sauce at tge end...Making these labor day 😋

[@trainroomgary]

Like 🚂 and just Hello from Michigan 🐓

[@pepperidgefarm128]

Who’s out here eating bloody drumsticks?? If there’s still blood shouldnt you be cooking it more? 😟

[@jadejaguar69]

That's not blood

[@galaf9790]

I thoroughly and enjoy this program, for it's step by step informative guides to whatever we come here to learn. From the lovely, insightful guests, great host, right down to the breakdown summary at the end. I have drumsticks on the grill now, my own seasoning but glued to this guide! Thank you!!

[@jamesb7241]

Dan do you ever have cooking classes? Or meet and greets? Awesome recipe btw!!!

[@tomyunker3368]

Trying to get that salt to dissolve it a real pain! Stirring till my arms got tired, then my wife stirred till her arms got tired!

[@alain99v6]

when you are using brown sugar do you take the lighter pale version or the deep brown old fashion one ?

[@MinhNguyen-wk5fr]

I usually butterfly the drum stick and rub BBQ rub on it and let it marinate for about 20 mins. Because the drum stick is butterfly, the drum stick cook faster, and evenly too.

[@jade8568_VR]

You butterfly a drmstick?? Seems a bit overkill to me.... I could see maybe a large thigh, but... I think if you try out this recipe, you wont need to go thru all that... save the butterfly method for your Thanksgiving Turkey😉👍

[@andyc.537]

Not cool sticking the recipe behind a pay wall. Thumbs down

[@mddell58]

Curious IF we can use the same spices for chicken breasts.....

[@jvc8947]

Making these tonight….praying my propane is full.

[@spongebobby188]

Tbh the chicken looks burnt! Could do better!

[@BlueStarDrumBum]

So I don’t have a gas grill but I do have a Traeger 780 smoker. Would cranking it to max preheat work and then cutting it in half when I put the chicken on work? Or do you have a temperature setting I could cook at until the chicken gets to 185° to 190°?

[@dchenkin02]

For a pellet grill you can find recipes online. Generally you want to smoke chicken around 325F.

[@renatasabo9810]

Thanks for the tips! I'll grill the drumsticks that way next time.

[@YessahBlessah608]

I always made the mistake of instant grilling on direct heat! This is great!

[@lesterross1]

Curious, after the first 25 minutes you switched the rows but didn't appear to turn them over. Should they be turned or remain on the same side on the grill?

[@jade8568_VR]

ALWAYS turn/rotate meat on the grill to ensure even cooking.👍 (Sometimes they edit out parts due to time restrictions)

[@ronhanisco8697]

My Mexican friends taught me a trick. In addition to oiling the grill, they put a half a small onion of a fork and rub the grill with the onion. Outstanding!

[@hvacdr]

Oh thank you for this. U guys are like cooking super geniuses.

[@oasisbeach]

The drumsticks in the beginning and at the end seem the same to me.

[@flybyairplane3528]

ATK,,Hello, not being a drumstick person,,I’ll say this one has merit,,DAN,,,,you might just changed my mind,I’ll try this THANKS !;;;;;;🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ThinkPositiveDude]

these two are definitely smashing behind the scene.

[@thecarlosnino80]

Courtesy laugh at 5:48 😂just kidding

[@barbramighall4518]

Do you have any recipes for Vietnamese food?

[@flybyairplane3528]

ATK,,Hello, not being a drumstick person,,I’ll say this one has merit,,DAN,,,,you might just changed my mind,I’ll try this THANKS !;;;;;;🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Vishnu6]

Dang, Dan is cute

[@victoriadiaries9087]

You mean brine it really for 1 hour

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Is it just me or did they not mention temp of grill?

[@howardlee7371]

this sounds like a infomercial

[@gdurkee]

This worked great, especially for BBQ tips: clean grill when hot (I always also wipe with rag just to be sure no brush wire came off...); wipe grill with oil (I'd been using spray, but this is way better; works to avoid sticking for everything: veggies, fish etc..); put meat on already very hot grill to avoid sticking; slow cook on cooler side; then short time on hot side. Thanks!

[@joeycee]

BESF CHICKEN EVER!!! wow. I followed this exactly and the damn chicken came out prefect. I did splash some bbq on before removing from the grill. I ran out of rub on my last drumstick so when I came again I’ll just be a little more generous with my measurements.

[@Dr.calories]

Amazing food Guys I wish you make a reviews for the best meat grinder. I am looking for a very nice meat grinder to bay for my new kitchen I do grinding a lot almost 3 time a week . Please guys can u help me ?

[@jp-ch7pt]

Went to your website for the recipe. Might want to let people know they have to sign up and put in payment information AFTER supplying an email and name. Pretty slimy...

[@TravisSimpson-w3i]

A few questions: 1). How do we, can we, brine beef? Or is salting the way to brine beef? 2). Why dont y'all ever talk about the use of or use celery salt? 3). How can we brine using celery salt, onion salt and gsrlic salt with regular (kosher) salt?

[@austin4x]

"You're not gnawing it off the bone like you would normally do with drumsticks." "That's actually tender!" What drumsticks have you been eating lol. I've never had a tough drumsticks unless it was way over cooked or not fresh.

[@jordanc1803]

Dan is so sweet and sincere. I love ATK

[@FlavorChefYani]

I made this tonight… I had no chili powder so I used a couple of other seasonings and it came out perfect on my new personal gas grill!! Thank you!!

[@davidrandall4001]

Cooked it... and it came out FANTASTIC. That is a most excellent recipe for drumsticks. Thank you.

[@edelin21]

Can we make these in the oven as well?

[@wendysteward7877]

I just bought the legs. Will try this

[@JRCook-rr9pb]

It's sad chris isn't part of the show anymore. I noticed it's totally different now, it's like it's an arrogant woman owned cooking show. "Let's talk to the viewer like they're stupid"

[@AZ12345678900000000]

Thank you. With the number of people who have high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes or are at high risk of getting these etc., it would be helpful to be given a tasty way to BBQ without brining as that will definitely increase the salt or sugar in the meat/chicken/fish being brined/marinaded/rub etc. Thank you.

[@CeeTeeUSA]

Great recipe but when I click the link in the description it's locked. Why lock the specifics behind a paywall site??

[@decolonizeEverywhere]

Please stop using aluminum foil This is the perfect time to just cover your plate with a bowl It's reusable washable not disposable and it doesn't contain aluminum that's going to leach into your food through contact and cause diseases like Alzheimer's and early onset dementia MS and various behavioral disorders along with possibly some seizure disorders. People are spending a lot of money on deodorants and antiperspirants that don't contain aluminum because it's toxic just absorbing through your skin. So why would you want to eat it? It's so bad for you that the world health organization has an advisory out against using aluminum foil indirect contact with food especially foods with spices and high acid liquids.

[@ericthompson7819]

If I don’t have a grill can I do it in the oven

[@alecmoore7664]

I love how Julia just needles Dan. So good. Go for it Julia.

[@DanielVargas-tt9ch]

I kind of got the feeling that she wants him. Like she was kind of flirting with him he was kind of whatever I’ll handle you afterwards

[@jamesdiehl8690]

But you eat medium rare steak! Ewwww!

[@papajackblues7507]

I've done this on a Weber charcoal grill and they were fantastic! Would this same method work for chicken thighs?

[@ColleenHershon]

I made a half batch of these the other day, and they were great. It takes some time, but it's worth it. Flavorful, and not dry or raw at the bone. I ate some warm, and I ate the rest cold. I've brined my turkeys, but never would have thought to brine drumsticks. Thanks, ATK! Your recipes are always 100!

[@VHPINC]

Love that thermometer. Any chance you can share the brand name?

[@CDawg]

I think the winner probably comes from this Equipment Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKjSqniQjqmka5o

[@woodfamily5229]

This will be my first time grilling drumsticks and my first time hearing of America's Test Kitchen. I am very appreciative of your information and excited to use it this afternoon. I just hope my old, beat up grill will work well enough for it.

[@greathornedowl3644]

Love Dan Souza, great teacher. Used to always get the boneless skinless chicken breast $$, then I found the ease of cooking drumsticks $. Rub looked like Shake-N-Bake.

[@deea8897]

What temperature can I do it in oven

[@MrTimmyrk]

The flavor was great! My grill got a little too hot, and the chicken was 190-200 when i pulled it. I thought it looked too charred so I skipped the direct heat and that was a mistake. The skin was tough and rubbery in places. Next time, Medium High, and 5 mins on direct to crisp the skin no matter what.

[@demh7823]

Dan and Julia have great legs!

[@madthumbs1564]

I'd bet dan's has feathers though.

[@terimiller7481]

Making next weekend for my daughter's birthday. So glad I found because eventhough I've seen several times on TV I needed a refresher! Love both ATK and Cooks County!

[@ulfar321]

5:47 that laugh is adorable

[@jadejaguar69]

Omggg

[@donellis5005]

Do you rinse the chicken after the salt brine?

[@tomyunker3368]

Good question, still waiting for a answer

[@danielleparsons8187]

I tried this a couple weeks ago on gas bbq turned iut amazing. Now that its winter in Ontario im using the oven. Have the oven heating at 350 (guessing) only because this is the temp my bbq was. Cooked legs on greased oven rack...keep you posted on how tjey turn out