What the heck is this?
It’s a drumstick, but not your regular old roasted one. We’re taking those chicken legs, butterflying them (yep, we’re fancy like that), and tossing them on the grill for a crispy, juicy bite that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a weeknight treat. The kicker? We coat them in a smoky, sweet, tangy Bang Bang Sauce that adds the perfect amount of spicy kick and creamy goodness. It’s crispy, juicy, saucy, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– It’s chicken, but it’s next-level.
– Crispy skin, tender meat, and that sauce—chef’s kiss.
– You can throw it on the grill and get a golden-brown masterpiece in no time.
– Bang Bang Sauce? It’s the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy that takes it over the top.
– Ideal for a BBQ, dinner party, or just a fun weeknight meal.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
– 6 chicken drumsticks
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt + pepper to taste
– 1 tsp paprika (for that smoky flavor)
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
– 1 tbsp sriracha (more if you like it spicy)
– 1 tsp rice vinegar (for a little tang)
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for depth)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Butterfly the Chicken Drumsticks
To butterfly the drumsticks, use a sharp knife and make a slit along both sides of the bone, then press down to open them up. You’re aiming for a flatter shape so they cook more evenly. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme if you’re using it. Massage the seasonings into the chicken.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the butterflied chicken drumsticks on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 6–8 minutes on each side, flipping occasionally, until they’re golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want that skin crispy, but the meat juicy and tender.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Taste it and adjust the spice or sweetness if needed (add more sriracha for heat or more chili sauce for sweetness).
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is done and perfectly grilled, brush it with the Bang Bang Sauce on all sides. You can either coat them lightly or drench them in sauce — your call!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken drumsticks hot with a drizzle of extra Bang Bang Sauce on top. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if you like. Pair with a side of rice, veggies, or a crisp salad for the perfect meal.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with a side of grilled corn on the cob and a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the spiciness.
– Want to make it even more indulgent? Serve these with some garlic butter grilled potatoes or crispy fries.
– Pair with a chilled beer or a refreshing iced tea to balance out the heat.
Switch It Up
– Use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast if you’re not a fan of drumsticks.
– Make it extra saucy by tossing the cooked chicken in the sauce and letting it marinate for a few minutes before serving.
– If you want a different flavor profile, swap the sriracha with chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick.
Make-Ahead Tips
– Season and butterfly the chicken up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.
– You can make the Bang Bang Sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
– Leftover chicken can be stored for 2–3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or on the grill for the best results.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely! You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and cooked through.
Q: Can I make this sauce milder?
A: Yes! Just reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely. You can still enjoy the sweet and tangy chili sauce flavor without the heat.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: It’s better to thaw the chicken first for even cooking, but if you’re in a pinch, just increase the cooking time on the grill.
Grilled Butterflied Chicken Drumsticks with Bang Bang Sauce: The Juicy, Crispy, Saucy Perfection
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 drumsticks
Description
It’s a drumstick, but not your regular old roasted one. We’re taking those chicken legs, butterflying them (yep, we’re fancy like that), and tossing them on the grill for a crispy, juicy bite that’s perfect for summer cookouts or a weeknight treat. The kicker? We coat them in a smoky, sweet, tangy Bang Bang Sauce that adds the perfect amount of spicy kick and creamy goodness. It’s crispy, juicy, saucy, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 6 chicken drumsticks
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt + pepper to taste
– 1 tsp paprika (for that smoky flavor)
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
– 1 tbsp sriracha (more if you like it spicy)
– 1 tsp rice vinegar (for a little tang)
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for depth)
Instructions
Step 1: Butterfly the Chicken Drumsticks
To butterfly the drumsticks, use a sharp knife and make a slit along both sides of the bone, then press down to open them up. You’re aiming for a flatter shape so they cook more evenly. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme if you’re using it. Massage the seasonings into the chicken.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the butterflied chicken drumsticks on the grill, skin side down, and cook for about 6–8 minutes on each side, flipping occasionally, until they’re golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want that skin crispy, but the meat juicy and tender.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Taste it and adjust the spice or sweetness if needed (add more sriracha for heat or more chili sauce for sweetness).
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken is done and perfectly grilled, brush it with the Bang Bang Sauce on all sides. You can either coat them lightly or drench them in sauce — your call!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken drumsticks hot with a drizzle of extra Bang Bang Sauce on top. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if you like. Pair with a side of rice, veggies, or a crisp salad for the perfect meal.
Notes
– Serve with a side of grilled corn on the cob and a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the spiciness.
– Want to make it even more indulgent? Serve these with some garlic butter grilled potatoes or crispy fries.
– Pair with a chilled beer or a refreshing iced tea to balance out the heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Protein: ~22g