Smoky Chipotle Glazed BBQ Turkey Drumsticks
Treat your taste buds to a flavorful culinary experience with these Smoky Chipotle Glazed BBQ Turkey Drumsticks. Marinated in a robust molasses and herb brine, these drumsticks are grilled to perfection and finished with a spicy chipotle glaze. This dish marries savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it an irresistible centerpiece for your next barbecue gathering.
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Molasses
1 cup (none)
Salt
1 cup (none)
Black Peppercorns
1 tablespoon (none)
Lemons
2 (sliced)
Onions
2 (quartered)
Garlic
1 head (cloves separated and smashed)
Fresh Rosemary
1 large bunch (none)
Turkey Drumsticks
8 (none)
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste (none)
Melted Butter
as needed (for basting)
Canned Chipotle Chile in Adobo
pureed (for brushing)
Instructions
1
In a large, deep nonreactive pan or container, pour 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water. Stir in the molasses and salt until fully dissolved. Add peppercorns, lemon slices, onion quarters, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh rosemary to the mixture, creating a flavorful brine.
2
Immerse the turkey drumsticks in the brine, ensuring they're completely submerged. Pour over 8 cups (2 liters) of cold water. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or, ideally, overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
3
Remove the drumsticks from the brine and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4
Set up your grill for indirect heat cooking. For charcoal grills, arrange 10 to 12 briquettes on one side of the grill, leaving the other side clear. Preheat the grill to a temperature of 400°F (200°C).
5
Position the drumsticks on the cooler, opposite side of the grill. Brush each drumstick generously with melted butter, then close the grill lid. Grill the turkey, turning and basting the drumsticks with butter every 30 minutes. Cook until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the drumsticks registers 160°F (75°C), approximately 2 hours.
6
Just before serving, generously brush each turkey drumstick with pureed chipotle for a smoky, spicy finish. Serve hot and enjoy the bursting flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky Chipotle Glazed BBQ Turkey Drumsticks?
They are turkey drumsticks marinated in a molasses and herb brine, grilled using indirect heat, and finished with a spicy chipotle glaze.
How many turkey drumsticks does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 8 turkey drumsticks.
What is the estimated serving size for this dish?
This recipe provides approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What ingredients are used to create the brine?
The brine consists of hot water, molasses, salt, black peppercorns, sliced lemons, quartered onions, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh rosemary.
How long should the turkey drumsticks be brined?
The drumsticks should be refrigerated in the brine for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
What is the first step in preparing the brine?
Stir 1 cup of molasses and 1 cup of salt into 1 cup of hot water until they are fully dissolved.
How much cold water is added to the brine mixture?
The recipe requires 8 cups (2 liters) of cold water to be poured over the turkey drumsticks.
Should the turkey be dried before grilling?
Yes, after removing them from the brine, you should pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
What seasoning is applied before the turkey goes on the grill?
The drumsticks should be seasoned lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
The grill should be preheated to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
What type of cooking method is used on the grill?
The recipe uses the indirect heat cooking method.
How do I set up a charcoal grill for indirect heat?
Arrange 10 to 12 briquettes on one side of the grill, leaving the other side clear for the meat.
Where on the grill should the turkey drumsticks be placed?
Position the drumsticks on the cooler, opposite side of the grill away from the direct heat.
What is used to baste the turkey during grilling?
The drumsticks should be basted generously with melted butter.
How often should the turkey be turned and basted?
You should turn and baste the drumsticks with butter every 30 minutes during the cooking process.
What is the target internal temperature for the turkey?
The turkey is done when a meat thermometer registers 160 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part.
How long does it take to grill the turkey drumsticks?
The grilling process takes approximately 2 hours.
What provides the spicy finish for this recipe?
A glaze made of pureed canned chipotle chile in adobo provides the spicy, smoky finish.
When should the chipotle glaze be applied?
The chipotle puree should be brushed onto each drumstick just before serving.
How should the garlic be prepared for the brine?
One head of garlic should have its cloves separated and smashed.
What type of onions are needed and how are they prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 onions that should be quartered.
How many lemons are used in the brine?
Two lemons are used, and they should be sliced.
What specific herb is included in the brine?
One large bunch of fresh rosemary is used to flavor the brine.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking?
Yes, it is specifically tagged for BBQ, grilling, and outdoor cooking.
What kind of container should be used for the brine?
A large, deep nonreactive pan or container is recommended.
How much molasses is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of molasses for the brine.
Does the recipe include nutritional information like calories?
The provided recipe data does not specify calories, fat, carbohydrates, or protein counts.
What type of chipotle should I buy?
You should use canned chipotle chile in adobo and puree it for the glaze.
What are the flavor profiles of this dish?
This dish combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
How much salt is used in the brine?
The recipe uses 1 cup of salt for the brine mixture.