The Fourth of July is an American holiday celebrated since 1776, marking the day America declared independence from Great Britain. It’s a time for family, friends, and festivities, with delicious food being a key part of the celebration. For meat lovers, butterflied grilled chicken drumsticks are a perfect choice for this holiday, offering a tasty and crowd-pleasing dish.
This recipe delivers a perfect blend of spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors. The chicken is seasoned with a vibrant mix of chili powder, brown sugar, salt, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, creating a flavorful and irresistible crust.
The Alabama white sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the grilled chicken, adding a tangy and creamy element to the dish. Made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, black pepper, salt, and optional garlic powder, this sauce complements the savory chicken beautifully.
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks Recipe:
Ingredients:
* 1.3 kg whole chicken drumsticks
* 1 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
* 1 tbsp salt
* 1.5 tsp onion powder
* 1 tsp dried thyme
* 1 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
* 1 tbsp canola oil
* Alabama white sauce, for serving
Alabama White Sauce Ingredients:
* 1 1/3 cup mayonnaise
* 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
* 2 tsp granulated sugar
* 1.5 tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp salt
* 3/4 tsp granulated garlic (optional)
Instructions:
Alabama White Sauce:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, pepper, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Set aside.
Grilled Chicken Drumsticks:
1. Heat a grill pan over medium heat and preheat the oven to 350°C.
2. Pat the drumsticks dry with paper towels.
3. Butterfly the chicken: Using a sharp knife, gently cut through the meat to expose the bone. Separate more flesh from the top of the bone until the leg opens up like a butterfly.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, brown sugar, salt, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the oil and mix until a paste forms.
5. Rub the seasoning paste all over the drumsticks.
6. Arrange the drumsticks skin-side up on the grill pan.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning the chicken to ensure even charring.
8. Transfer the grill pan to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with the Alabama white sauce.
Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe for grilled chicken drumsticks, perfect for celebrating Independence Day with family and friends.
