Smoky Chipotle Grilled Chicken with Chipotle Ranch Dipping Sauce
Juicy grilled chicken drumsticks with smoky chipotle seasoning and a creamy chipotle ranch dipping sauce—perfect for BBQ nights and flavor-packed meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Varies based on drumstick quantity
- Category: Main Course / BBQ
- Method: Grilling + Smoking
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
Ingredients
For the Smoky Chipotle Grilled Chicken:
Chicken drumsticks (as needed)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons chipotle powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Hickory wood chunks (for smoking)
For the Chipotle Ranch Dipping Sauce:
½ cup mayo
½ cup sour cream
½ cup buttermilk
½ lemon, juiced
2 teaspoons fresh chopped dill
2 teaspoons fresh chopped chives
2 teaspoons fresh chopped parsley
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely diced or blended
Instructions
Make the Dry Rub: In a bowl, combine salt, chipotle powder, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
Butterfly Chicken: Carefully cut drumsticks lengthwise along the bone (do not cut all the way through), then open them to expose the bone.
Season & Marinate: Generously rub the seasoning mix onto the chicken. Marinate for at least 30–60 minutes.
Prepare Dipping Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, and buttermilk.
Add lemon juice, chopped herbs, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
Stir in the chipotle pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Grill Chicken:
Heat grill for direct cooking. Sear both sides of the chicken for 90–120 seconds per side.
Adjust grill for indirect cooking at 325°F (163°C). Add hickory chunks for smoke.
Move chicken to indirect side and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Remove chicken from grill. Serve hot with chipotle ranch dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, soak the wood chunks in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Works great with chicken thighs or wings too!
