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I know what you're thinking. That woman needs to clean her grill. I know I do. We're working on it. At the same time, is it bad that once and awhile I think those little black flecks of old char actually taste kind of good? Regardless of whether or not you agree with me on the char comment, I know why you're here. And it's not to listen to me talk about char. It's to find out how I made this mouth-watering Root Beer Grilled Chicken!
I don't blame you. This chicken is pretty fantastic. It's the perfect thing for a summer BBQ and absolutely finger lickin' good!
Why do you see only drumsticks? Because in our house they are hands-down our most favorite part of the chicken. . .EVER. Juicy, flavorful and perfect in every way. When the root beer glaze hits these drumsticks, it's like. . .well, heaven.
The secret to a perfectly grilled drumstick, is turning them about every 5 minutes while on the grill. The glaze actually doesn't even go on the chicken until the end. Five minutes before the chicken is ready, brush on the glaze. It caramelizes almost instantly. How beautiful are those legs? Yes, I'm still talking about the chicken.
Enough with all this talking. Get onto the eating! If you're planning on grilling out for the 4th, this Root Beer Chicken should be on the menu! OH SO GOOD! Enjoy!
Root Beer Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lb. package of chicken drumsticks
- ¼ cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups root beer
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 4 tablespoons jam (I used strawberry)
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
Instructions
- Mix together the paprika, garlic powder and salt and rub all over the drumsticks.
- Then combine the root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, jam and mustard in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the glaze is reduced and thickened. Hold over very low heat until the chicken has about 5 minutes left on the grill.
- Grilling the chicken: Preheat your gas grill for about 8-10 minutes. Spray or oil the grates and sear the chicken over direct heat on high, about 3 minutes per side. Then turn everything down to medium, medium-high. Grill a total of about 25 minutes, or until juices run clear when pierced, and the internal temperature registers about 170 degrees. Turn the chicken about every 5 minutes while cooking and brush with about a cup of the glaze the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Use the additional glaze for dipping while eating.
Notes
- Enhance Flavor with Rub: Create a flavorful rub for the chicken drumsticks by mixing paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken before grilling to infuse it with layers of savory and aromatic flavors. Allow the chicken to sit with the rub for at least 30 minutes before grilling to maximize flavor absorption.
- Thicken and Glaze: Simmering the root beer, ketchup, brown sugar, BBQ sauce, jam, and mustard creates a rich and tangy glaze for the grilled chicken. To ensure a thick and glossy consistency, simmer the glaze until it reduces and thickens, allowing it to coat the back of a spoon. Keep the glaze warm over low heat until ready to use, and brush it onto the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling for a sticky and caramelized finish.
- Grill with Care: Preheat your grill to ensure it reaches the desired temperature before cooking the chicken drumsticks. Sear the chicken over direct high heat for a few minutes on each side to achieve a golden crust, then reduce the heat to medium or medium-high to continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn the chicken regularly to ensure even cooking, and brush it with the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling for added flavor and moisture.
Embeya
Woooow.....Homemade!!! It’s the only thing that taste good! And so easy to do…
I think I will look for these and try your recipe this weekend. Thank you for sharing!
Dang Thai from Embeya!
Rona Berry-Morin
I saw a link to your recipe on Organizing Junkie's blog. I just knew I had to check it out.
Stephanie
This looks amazing! Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Julie Fiato
Hi Sara! I can't wait to feature your Root Beer Grilled Chicken tomorrow on Redhead's Kitchen! Thanks for linking up at Inspiration Monday party! ~ Julie redheadcandecorate.com
Sara
That's great news, Julie! Thank you!
Vicky
We love legs and thighs, too, and this looks delicious! I will be making this soon. Thanks.
Crystal Duncan (@FindingCrystal)
I cannot wait to try these. We are grilling out Friday so these will be perfect. (We have been trying to figure out what we want). I pinned them and cannot wait to try them out!
Sara
Awesome, Crystal! You won't be disappointed!
Chrystal @ YUM eating
This sounds interesting. We've been experimenting with different flavors of beer to do various 'not' beer can chicken. We grill it but use a pan of beer under the whole chicken. I will have to see what the Mr. thinks about root beer. Have a feeling kiddo will enjoy giving it a try.
Sara
Ooh, I can imagine your chicken turns out very moist! This Root Beer Chicken is very flavorful and the glaze sticks so well to the chicken itself. Good luck!
Lori Hart
Great idea for chicken legs! I found your recipe over at the Two Cup Tuesday link party. I host Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday and would love it if you linked up this recipe. I’m sure our party goers would love it! Here is the link http://bit.ly/1mF7z6K. Have a wonderful day!!
Sara
I linked up, Lori! Thanks!