Game-Day Grilled Turkey Drumsticks Recipe

Name: Game-Day Grilled Turkey Drumsticks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups buttermilk; 2 tablespoons hot sauce, preferably Tabasco; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 onion, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled; 8 turkey drumsticks (14 to 16 ounces each; ask your butcher for them); Olive oil, for drumsticks and grill; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 recipe game-day glaze (recipe follows); 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 small onion, minced; 1/4 cup apple-cider vinegar; 1/4 cup molasses; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Dash of Worcestershire sauce; Dash of hot sauce, preferably Tabasco; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; (makes about 1/2 cup)

Servings: persons

2 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons hot sauce, preferably Tabasco
Juice of 1 lemon
1 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
8 turkey drumsticks (14 to 16 ounces each; ask your butcher for them)
Olive oil, for drumsticks and grill
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 recipe game-day glaze (recipe follows)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 small onion, minced
1/4 cup apple-cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Dash of hot sauce, preferably Tabasco
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
(makes about 1/2 cup)

1
The night before the game, prepare the marinade: Whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, and lemon juice, and stir in the onion and garlic.
2
Put the turkey legs in a large casserole dish, and pour the marinade over them.
3
(You can also divide the drumsticks and the marinade between two large zip-top bags.)
4
Cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator overnight.
5
On game day, preheat your grill to medium heat.
6
Remove the turkey legs from the marinade, and allow the extra to drip off .
7
Brush the turkey legs with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
8
Rub the grill grates with oil, using a clean tea towel or a crumpled-up paper towel.
9
Grill the turkey drumsticks, turning to cook on all sides, for about 15 minutes, until the skin is crisp and golden.
10
Cover the grill, and continue cooking for another 25 minutes, rotating occasionally to prevent the legs from burning.
11
Brush with the game-day glaze, and cook, turning often, for 10 more minutes.
12
Melt the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat.
13
Add the onion, and saute until soft, about 3 minutes.
14
Stir in the vinegar, molasses, ketchup, mustard, cayenne, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.
15
Season with salt and pepper.
16
Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, so all the flavors can marry.

1272

kcal

Calories

112

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 20 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups buttermilk, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, preferably Tabasco, Juice of 1 lemon, 1 onion, sliced, and more.

Yes, Game-Day Grilled Turkey Drumsticks falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Game-Day Grilled Turkey Drumsticks

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions