Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Maple Beer Glaze is the kind of main dish that makes dinner feel a little more fun without making the prep hard.
To make this recipe you will need chicken drumsticks, light beer, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic, rosemary, and oregano.
That mix gives the chicken a sweet, tangy, herby glaze that tastes right at home with summer sides, corn on the cob, pasta salad, baked beans, or a crisp chopped salad.
This recipe is a solid one for grill season, weekend dinners, and casual cookouts. The chicken marinates ahead of time, so most of the work happens before the grill even starts.
A basting brush helps add that last layer of maple syrup near the end, and a serving platter keeps everything ready for the table.
You don’t need anything fancy here. A small bowl, whisk, storage bag, grill, and measuring cups are enough to make this recipe work.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Maple Beer Glaze
Uses Common Ingredients
This recipe uses pantry and fridge staples like maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and light beer.
Has a Sweet and Tangy Glaze
The maple syrup adds sweetness, while the vinegar and mustard help balance it.
Good for Grilling Season
These drumsticks are made on the grill, so they work well for warm weather dinners, BBQ nights, and cookouts.
Prep Can Be Done Ahead
The chicken marinates for 4 hours or overnight, which helps make dinner easier when it’s time to cook.
Works with Many Side Dishes
Serve these drumsticks with salad, grilled vegetables, rice, corn, potatoes, or pasta salad.
Ingredient Substitutions
Light Beer
Use regular beer if that’s what you have. For a non-alcohol option, use chicken broth with a splash of apple juice.
Maple Syrup
Honey can be used instead of maple syrup. The taste will be a little different, but it still gives the chicken a sweet glaze.
Apple Cider Vinegar
White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar.
Dijon Mustard
Yellow mustard can be used if needed, but Dijon gives the marinade a sharper taste.
Fresh Rosemary
Use 1 teaspoon dried rosemary in place of 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary.
Fresh Oregano
Use 1 teaspoon dried oregano in place of 1 tablespoon fresh oregano.
Garlic Cloves
Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder if fresh garlic is not available.
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Grilled Chicken Drumsticks with Maple Beer Glaze
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup light beer
- 5 tablespoon maple syrup divided
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 8 skinless bone-in chicken drumsticks
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the light beer, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, rosemary, oregano, garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Using a whisk, mix well.
- Transfer the marinade to a large zip lock storage bag or a marinating dish. Add the chicken drumsticks. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
- Turn the chicken until coated with the marinade.
- Place the chicken in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
- Spray the grill rack with nonstick cooking spray.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat, or prepare a medium fire in a charcoal grill.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade. Discard the marinade.
- Place the chicken on the grill. Cover the grill. Cook the chicken for 30 to 40 minutes, turning occasionally.
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
- Turn the chicken often until browned and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with salt to taste.
Notes
Storing and Reheating
Store in the Refrigerator – Place leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store in the Freezer – Place cooled drumsticks in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the Oven – Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through. Reheat in the Air Fryer – Place the chicken in the air fryer basket. Warm at 350°F for a few minutes, until heated through. Reheat on the Grill – Place the drumsticks over low heat. Turn often until warmed through.Nutrition
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