The Perfect Juicy Grilled Chicken Recipe for Summer BBQs

Grilled chicken revolutionizes ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary adventures with its smoky, succulent charm.

Tender meat captures the essence of outdoor cooking, promising a delightful sensory journey for your taste buds.

The art of grilling transcends simple food preparation, unlocking deep, caramelized flavors that dance across your palate.

Marinades and seasonings can elevate basic proteins into mouthwatering masterpieces that spark conversation and create lasting memories.

Perfectly cooked chicken represents a delicate balance of heat, timing, and technique that even novice cooks can master.

Summer gatherings or intimate family dinners become more special with these expertly prepared protein centerpieces.

Your friends and family will be amazed by the restaurant-quality results you can achieve at home.

Essential Ingredients for Grilled Chicken

• Chicken Drumsticks: Juicy and flavorful meat that absorbs marinade well, with skin on for extra crispiness and flavor retention.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that adds deep, pungent flavor to the marinade.
• Harissa Paste: Spicy North African chili paste that brings heat and complex flavor profile.
• Nutmeg: Warm, slightly sweet spice that adds depth to the marinade.
• Sumac: Tangy Middle Eastern spice with lemony notes that brightens the overall taste.
• Thyme: Herbaceous and earthy flavor that complements the chicken.
• Lime or Lemon Juice: Acidic component that tenderizes the meat and adds brightness.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend marinade ingredients and keeps chicken moist during grilling.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing the chickens natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and completes basic seasoning.
• Onions: Provides additional flavor and moisture during marination.

How to Grill the Perfect Chicken

Step 1: Craft Zesty Marinade

• Garlic cloves
• Harissa paste
• Nutmeg
• Sumac
• Thyme
• Lime or lemon juice

Gradually add olive oil until mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry using paper towels. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly across surface. Gently massage marinade into chicken, ensuring mixture reaches under skin for maximum flavor absorption.

Step 3: Marinate Thoroughly

Add sliced onions to chicken. Transfer entire mixture into large zip-top bag or sealed container. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. If short on time, let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Set Up Grill

Preheat outdoor grill to medium heat. Ensure grill surface is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Grill Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place drumsticks on grill, maintaining space between pieces. Close grill lid to ensure consistent heating.

Step 6: Cook to Perfection

Rotate drumsticks every 8 minutes. Total cooking time will be approximately 35-40 minutes. Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove chicken from grill. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides and sauces. Discard used marinade and onions.

Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Grilled Chicken

• Maximize Marinade Absorption: Pat chicken completely dry before marinating to help the flavorful harissa mixture penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain a consistent medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
• Mastering Moisture Retention: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling to help juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and succulent.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked chicken, and wash hands thoroughly between handling stages.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider reserving a small amount of marinade before adding raw chicken to use as a finishing sauce or for basting during the last few minutes of grilling.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Chicken

• Refrigeration: Wrap grilled chicken tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. These chicken drumsticks will stay fresh for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Freezing: Cool chicken completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen grilled chicken maintains best quality for up to 4 months. Label containers with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating: Revive leftover chicken by preheating the oven to 350°F. Arrange drumsticks in a baking dish and add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pairing Grilled Chicken with Sides

• Amplify Flavor Companions: Pair this spicy-herbal grilled chicken with a crisp, citrusy white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to balance the harissa's heat and complement the lime's tanginess.
• Cool Down the Spice: Serve alongside a refreshing cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce that neutralizes the harissa's intensity while adding creamy texture and Mediterranean flair.
• Perfect Side Kick: Create a quinoa salad with fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to match the chicken's zesty marinade and provide a nutritious, light accompaniment.
• Drink Harmony: Select a chilled Lebanese beer like Almaza or a bright rosé wine to echo the Middle Eastern spice profile and cut through the chicken's rich, grilled character.

Fun Variations of Grilled Chicken

• Spicy Mediterranean Melody: Replace harissa with Aleppo pepper and add fresh mint leaves to the marinade for a zesty, herbaceous kick that transports your taste buds to Mediterranean coastal regions.
• Citrus Herb Fusion: Swap sumac with orange zest and incorporate fresh rosemary and parsley into the marinade, creating a bright, aromatic profile that elevates the chicken's natural flavors.
• Smoky Bourbon Infusion: Mix bourbon whiskey into the marinade, replacing lime juice with a splash of bourbon, and add smoked paprika for a rich, deep flavor that brings complexity to the grilled chicken.
• Yogurt Tandoori Style: Blend Greek yogurt into the marinade, include garam masala and turmeric, transforming the chicken into a tender, Indian-inspired dish with a creamy, spiced coating that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Grilled Chicken Perfection

• Burst with Exotic Flavors: The harissa paste, sumac, and thyme create a bold, Mediterranean-inspired taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary adventure.
• Master Effortless Grilling Technique: The marinade helps tenderize the meat while ensuring juicy, flavorful drumsticks with minimal cooking expertise required.
• Quick and Versatile Meal Solution: Preparation can be done in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, with just 35-40 minutes of total cooking time.
• Nutrition-Packed Protein Powerhouse: Each serving delivers a robust 25g of protein with minimal carbohydrates, supporting healthy eating goals without sacrificing incredible taste.

Grilled Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 20 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Grilled Chicken delivers Mediterranean flavors straight from summer kitchens. Marinated in zesty herbs and olive oil, this dish brings fresh, tender chicken that invites quick enjoyment at any casual gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 20 large chicken drumsticks

Spices and Seasonings:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) harissa paste
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1½ teaspoons sumac
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Aromatics and Liquids:

• 15 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 2 large limes or lemons

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by pulverizing garlic, harissa paste, nutmeg, sumac, thyme, and fresh citrus juice (lime or lemon) in a food processor. Stream in olive oil (approximately or 60 milliliters) until the mixture reaches a silky, uniform texture.
2. Pat chicken drumsticks completely dry using clean kitchen towels, then delicately season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Transfer chicken to a spacious non-reactive container, thoroughly coating each piece with the prepared marinade. Gently massage the mixture, ensuring it penetrates beneath the skin for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Layer thinly sliced onions throughout the marinating chicken, then seal the container with a secure lid or plastic wrap.
5. Allow chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, ideally overnight. If time is limited, permit the chicken to rest at ambient temperature for approximately 30 minutes.
6. Ignite the outdoor grill, establishing a medium heat zone around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit (190-204 degrees Celsius).
7. Carefully position marinated drumsticks on the grill grates, shaking off excess liquid. Ensure adequate spacing between pieces to promote even cooking.
8. Rotate drumsticks every 8 minutes, maintaining consistent heat exposure. Total cooking duration typically ranges between 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
9. Discard remaining marinade and onions after grilling. Plate the succulent chicken drumsticks alongside complementary accompaniments, providing napkins for convenient enjoyment.

Notes

• Harissa marinade packs a punch with garlic, nutmeg, and zesty citrus, transforming ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion.
• Massaging marinade under chicken skin ensures deep, mouthwatering flavor penetration that will make taste buds dance.
• Marinating time ranges from quick 30-minute room temperature soak to luxurious overnight refrigerator treatment, giving flexibility to busy cooks.
• Grill technique demands medium heat and strategic turning every eight minutes, guaranteeing perfectly charred, juicy drumsticks.
• Bonus tip: Discard used marinade to prevent cross-contamination and serve hot with fresh accompaniments for a stunning meal presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 20
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg