Easy Smoked Chicken Drumsticks are a flavorful and juicy dish that will have your taste buds begging for more. This chicken drumsticks recipe is perfect for those who are new to smoking meats or for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal.
Smoked chicken legs are a great meal option for families, with a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and easy-to-make meal that everyone will love. So why not give these chicken drumsticks smoked a try and see for yourself how easy it is to make and how delicious they tastes!
Easy dinner idea the whole family will love!
Looking for a quick and easy dinner idea that the whole family will love? Look no further than these delicious smoked chicken drumsticks! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic preparation, you can have a flavorful and satisfying meal on the table in no time.
This is the EASIEST smoked chicken drumsticks recipe I have found, it is just so sensational! Not to be confused with our SMOKED and BRINED CHICKEN LEGS, but it is a wonderful variation. These easy smoked chicken drumsticks are perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner, and they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Why you should try this chicken recipe today!
- Simple ingredients. The recipe only needs 6 ingredients which include very basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. So you may have everything you need to make these drumsticks in your kitchen already.
- Fabulous results. The chicken drumsticks are coated in a flavorful rub made with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The rub not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken as it cooks. The addition of olive oil helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and creates a crispy skin on the outside.
- Versatile dish. The chicken drumsticks can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. They pair well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Smoked Chicken Legs Ingredients
Drumsticks: You will need about 4 ½ pounds of chicken drumsticks for this recipe, this is roughly 12 legs.
Olive oil: Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil, or any vegetable oil that you prefer, to coat the chicken well so that the seasonings hold.
Chicken drumsticks rub
Salt: ½ teaspoon of salt will help tenderize and flavor the chicken as it cooks.
Pepper: Adding ½ teaspoon of ground pepper will flavor the chicken well.
Garlic powder: You need ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for more added taste in every bite.
Paprika: Using ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika will elevate the flavors in the chicken and add some color to the skin as well.
How to make Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Prep
Start by removing the drumsticks from their packaging and patting each one dry with a paper towel. Then place them onto a baking tray once dry.
Next, brush or rub olive oil over the chicken drumsticks to evenly coat them. Then set the chicken aside.
Season chicken
In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
After that, evenly sprinkle the spices over the top of each chicken drumstick. Turn them over to coat all sides well.
Place the tray of chicken in the fridge as you prepare the smoker for cooking.
Heat the smoker
Get your smoker ready for indirect cooking and preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F.
If desired, add flavored pellets for additional flavor. We use Mesquite flavor but also cherry, apple, or pecan would all be great as well.
Be sure to add a catch pan under the grill to catch the drippings. Fill the drip pan with water for adding moisture and so that the drippings do not burn as well.
Cook drumsticks
Once the BBQ is to 225 degrees F, place the drumsticks onto the grill and close the lid.
Cover and cook until the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 175 degrees F. This typically takes about 2 hours, but the time will vary based on how many legs were used and what size they were. You can always check the internal temp about an hour into the cooking process.
Proceed to take the drumsticks off the BBQ once the chicken is cooked through. Let them rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variation of Smoked Drumsticks
For those who want to add a little twist to their smoked chicken drumsticks, there are several variations that can be tried. Here are a few ideas to get started:
Spicy Smoked Drumsticks: For those who like a little heat, adding some cayenne pepper to the rub can give the drumsticks a nice kick. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste. For an even spicier option, try adding some hot sauce to the olive oil before coating the drumsticks.
Honey Mustard Smoked Drumsticks: For those who prefer a sweeter flavor, mixing honey and mustard together can create a delicious glaze for the drumsticks. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard together and brush onto the drumsticks during the last 10 minutes of smoking.
Lemon Pepper Smoked Drumsticks: For a fresh and tangy flavor, add some lemon zest and juice to the olive oil before coating the drumsticks.
Asian-Inspired Smoked Drumsticks: For a unique flavor, mix together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Brush onto the drumsticks during the last 10 minutes of smoking.
EASY SMOKED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Ingredients
- 4 ½ lb chicken drumsticks (about 12)
- 2 TBSP olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prep: Remove the drumsticks from their product packaging and pat each one dry with a paper towel. Place them onto a baking tray once dry.
- Brush or rub olive oil over the chicken drumsticks to evenly coat them. Set aside.
- Season chicken: In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Evenly sprinkle the spices over the top of the chicken.
- Place the tray of chicken into the fridge as you prepare the smoker.
- Heat the smoker: Get your smoker ready for indirect cooking by preheating the smoker to 225 degrees F. If desired, add flavored pellets for additional flavor. We use Mesquite flavor but also cherry, apple, or pecan would all be great as well. Be sure to add a catch pan under the grill to catch the drippings. Fill the drip pan with water for adding moisture and so that the drippings do not burn as well.
- Once the BBQ is to 225 degrees F, place the drumsticks onto the grill and close the lid.
- Cover and cook until the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 175 degrees F. This typically takes about 2 hours but the time will vary based on how many legs were used and what size they were. You can always check the internal temp about an hour into the cooking process.
- Proceed to take the drumsticks off the BBQ once the chicken is cooked through. Let them rest for 3-4 minutes before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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What do you serve with Smoked Chicken Drumsticks?
These chicken drumsticks would be great served alongside your favorite summertime sides dishes like easy corn on the cob, summer pasta salad, cast iron skillet potatoes, or a delicious southern style potato salad. It can also make a wonderful comforting dinner dish when served with mashed potatoes and green beans. This smoke chicken is wonderful with just about any side dish you can think of and for any occasion too!
What temperature is smoked chicken done at?
Chicken is technically cooked, per standards at 165 degrees F, for chicken drumsticks, we like to take it up to 175 degrees F (preferably around 175-180 degrees F). In our opinion, it does not dry out the meat and it makes it more tender.
Can I use hickory smoking pellets?
You can choose Hickory for smoking, but it is not recommended as it tends to overpowers the chicken flavor.
Do you need to flip the chicken when smoking?
No, you do not need to worry about doing this. It is ok to leave the chicken as is, undisturbed. It is a low and slow cook, so the heat is not too intense on the grill and the cooking is done more evenly.
Do I leave the skin on or off when smoking chicken?
Leave the skin on when smoking. We have found out the chicken is more tender and will not dry out as much.
Looking for more smoker & BBQ recipes? We have you covered!
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- STICK OF BUTTER SMOKED WHOLE CHICKEN
- EASY SMOKE MEATLOAF RECIPE
- BBQ CHICKEN WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA
- CHILE LIME SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS
- CROCKPOT DR PEPPER CHICKEN LEGS
- GRILLED TERIYAKI CHICKEN
- EASY SMOKED TURKEY BREAST RECIPE
- GRILLED FOIL PACK POTATOES
- GRILLED ITALIAN SAUSAGES WITH PEPPERS
- MARINATED GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS
Easy Smoked Chicken Drumsticks are flavorful, tender, and OH SO juicy! Make this chicken drumsticks recipe easily with only 6 ingredients and some patience during the smoking process.
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