cedar planked grilled chicken drumsticks

2 Pinches 1 Photo
beulah, MI
Updated on Aug 28, 2025

This is one of the best recipes for smoky, juicy, tender chicken legs. The planks let the chicken cook through without burning the outside. The taste is outstanding.

prep time 23 Hr
cook time 1 Hr
method Grill
yield 4 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • STEP ONE : BRINE
  • 8 cups water
  • 1/4 cup Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 lemons, halved
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, whole
  • STEP TWO : SEASON AND CHAR
  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • salt and pepper
  • STEP 3: PLANK AND BASTE
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • large basting brush made with rosemary sprigs
  • 3 cedar planks soaked in water for an hour

How To Make cedar planked grilled chicken drumsticks

  • Step 1
    Mix the ingredients for the brine together. Slash the chicken legs and let them brine overnight. Get the coals hot in a grill. Remove the chicken from the brine, discarding the brine. Dry the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  • Step 2
    When the coals are hot, sear the chicken on all sides until browned. While they are searing, mix the basting ingredients in a saucepan until the butter is melted. Put a bunch of rosemary twigs together, tied at the base with butcher's twine.
  • Step 3
    Remove the browned chicken from the grill and add the planks that have been soaked in water.
  • Step 4
    Place the chicken on the planks and brush with the butter baste using the rosemary brush. Close the grill top and cook for about an hour, opening every 15 minutes and brushing with the baste.

Discover More

Category: Chicken
Ingredient: Chicken
Method: Grill
Culture: American

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