Open Fire Chicken Drumsticks: Back To Basics BBQ
There’s something about cooking over an open fire that makes everything taste better. Maybe it’s the smoky flavour, the crackling wood, or the fact that cooking over a live fire makes you feel like a backyard BBQ pro. Whatever it is, these Open Fire Chicken Drumsticks are proof that simple ingredients and a little fire can create something seriously delicious.
We're talking crispy, beautifully charred skin, juicy chicken, and plenty of BBQ flavour in every bite. Best of all, you don't need a fancy setup or complicated cooking techniques. Just some good chicken drumsticks, a hot fire, your favourite seasoning, and a little patience. With this open fire chicken drumsticks recipe, we will be showing you two different cooking methods for you to choose from.
Whether you're cooking on a Santa Maria-style grill, over a fire pit, or using another open-fire cooking setup, this recipe is a great way to bring some live-fire flavour to your backyard with these open fire chicken drumsticks
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THESE OPEN FIRE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Chicken drumsticks are one of my favourite cuts to cook over an open fire. They're affordable, packed with flavour, easy to handle, and practically designed for backyard BBQ cooking.
Here's why this recipe deserves a spot in your grilling rotation:
Big BBQ flavour: Cooking over wood adds a delicious smoky flavour that you just can't replicate in the oven.
Crispy skin: Managing your fire and heat helps create beautifully golden, crispy chicken skin.
Juicy meat: Drumsticks are naturally forgiving and stay juicy when cooked properly.
Budget-friendly: Chicken drumsticks are an inexpensive way to feed a crowd.
Easy to customize: Switch up your seasoning, BBQ rub, or sauce to make these your own.
OPEN FIRE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
Chicken Drumsticks (6-15)
Poultry Rub
STEP 1: SET YOUR FIRE
For this open fire chicken drumstick recipe, begin by preparing your open fire on your El Dorado Yoder. Raise your grill grates using the orange wheel. Release the heavy door for easy access to control your fire and air flow. Next, arrange your charcoal and or wood. I would use a fire based starter or torch to ignite your fuel. Using a chimney based fire can damage your firebrick over time. Once your fire is set, close the door and lower your grill grates to preheat your grill. You are looking to adjust the heat so you can hold you hand over the grates for 5-6 seconds.
STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
You can either use your grill grates or large skewers to grill your open fire chicken drumsticks: Yoder El Dorado styles. Today we are using the skewer method and grates. Prepare your open fire chicken drumsticks by using your favorite poultry rub. Skewer each chicken drumstick by securing both the drum and the thigh through each skewer.
STEP 3: PLACE YOUR CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS ONTO YOUR YODER EL DORADO
Depending on your weather conditions, the natural temperature outside and wind, you want to raise and lower your grates / edge. Fat will render and drip down onto your colds creating flare ups. Stay close and keep an eye on them.
STEP 4: GRILL YOUR OPEN FIRE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Raise or lower your grates till you get a slow render and smoke on your chicken drumsticks. You want to flip your chicken or skewer every 10-15 minutes for even cooking and prevent burning. You are looking for an internal temperature of 170-180 degrees to finish these. Let rest for 5 minutes before enjoying.
TIPS FOR THE BEST OPEN FIRE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
1. Pat the chicken dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispy chicken skin. Take a minute to dry your drumsticks before seasoning.
2. Don't cook directly over aggressive flames. Open-fire cooking is about controlling the heat. Hot coals are your friend, while uncontrolled flames can burn the outside before the inside is cooked.
3. Use a two-zone fire. Having a cooler area to move your chicken to makes managing flare-ups and cooking temperatures much easier.
4. Save the BBQ sauce for later. Most BBQ sauces contain sugar, which can burn quickly over an open flame. Apply it toward the end of cooking.
5. Use a reliable meat thermometer. Colour isn't a reliable indicator of doneness. Always check the internal temperature.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH OPEN FIRE CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
These chicken drumsticks are practically begging for some classic BBQ sides. Here are a few of my favourites:
Ultimate BBQ coleslaw Recipe (See Recipe Here)
Queso scalloped potatoes Recipe (See Recipe Here)
Ultimate BBQ potato salad
Grilled corn on the cob
Homemade mac and cheese
Balsamic Fire Roasted Vegetables (See Recipe Here)
If you're already cooking over an open fire, why not make the entire meal outside?
These Open Fire Chicken Drumsticks are a reminder that you don't need complicated ingredients or expensive equipment to make incredible BBQ. A little seasoning, a good fire, and some patience are all you need. The combination of smoky flavour, crispy skin, juicy chicken, and sticky caramelized BBQ sauce makes this a recipe you'll want to keep coming back to. Fire up the grill, grab a cold drink, and get those drumsticks cooking. Just make sure you make enough because these tend to disappear faster than you can say, "Who took the last one?"
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