Should you marinate chicken drumsticks before grilling or just baste while grilling?

Benefits of Marinating:

* Tenderness: The acid in the marinade helps to break down the tough protein fibers in the chicken, resulting in more tender meat.

* Flavor: Marinades infuse the chicken with deep, rich flavors that penetrate the meat.

* Moisture: Marinades help to keep the chicken moist during grilling, preventing it from drying out.

Basting While Grilling:

* Flavor Enhancement: Basting can add extra flavor and moisture to the chicken.

* Crust Formation: Basting with a glaze or sauce can help to create a crispy, caramelized crust.

Recommendation:

For best results, marinate chicken drumsticks for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor and tenderness.

Basting while grilling is optional, but it can further enhance the flavor and moisture of the chicken.

Note:

* Use a marinade that is safe for raw chicken, such as a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, herbs, and spices.

* Avoid marinating chicken at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.

* Dispose of any excess marinade that has come into contact with raw chicken.

Conclusion:

While basting can add flavor, marinating chicken drumsticks before grilling is the better option for maximizing tenderness, flavor, and moisture.