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Crispy BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Drumsticks

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A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy chicken drumsticks wrapped in crispy bacon and finished with a sticky BBQ glaze, perfect for grilling or oven baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 chicken drumsticks (about 3 pounds), skin-on and bone-in
  • 8–10 strips bacon, thin or regular cut (Applewood smoked preferred)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (120 ml), your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (5 g)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (5 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (1 g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F) or oven to 425°F and set a wire rack on a baking sheet.
  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels.
  3. Lightly coat each drumstick with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
  4. Wrap one strip of bacon tightly around each drumstick, overlapping slightly to cover most of the skin.
  5. Arrange wrapped drumsticks on the grill grates or wire rack, leaving space between each for even heat circulation.
  6. Cook for 25-30 minutes, turning every 8-10 minutes to crisp bacon evenly and prevent burning.
  7. In the last 5 minutes, brush each drumstick generously with BBQ sauce, flip, and baste again to create a sticky, caramelized finish.
  8. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F internally and bacon should be crispy.
  9. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Wrap bacon snugly but not too tight to prevent sliding. Baste with BBQ sauce only in the last few minutes to avoid sogginess. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked. If bacon isn’t crisping fast enough, increase heat slightly or move drumsticks closer to direct heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, bacon wrapped chicken, grilled chicken drumsticks, crispy chicken, easy dinner, summer cookout, smoky chicken

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/crispy-bbq-bacon-wrapped-chicken-drumsticks-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-grilling/