Easy Smoked Chicken Drumsticks are packed with flavor, perfectly juicy and are so easy to prepare! These smoker chicken legs use basic seasonings and everyone goes crazy over them!
Chicken drumsticks smoked is an incredible technique to cooking and creating a delicious dinner dish that everyone will enjoy! This easy smoked chicken drumsticks recipe calls for 6 simple ingredients, making it a quick and easy dish that you can whip up on a whim!
The Best Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
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. I love how simple it is to prepare, with a little patience during the cooking process, the results definitely speak for themselves. Perfectly crispy and juicy in every bite, nothing compares to a wonderful leg of smoked chicken. Serve it up all summer long for a great meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why you will want to try this recipe today!
- Basic 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 photos should speak for themselves with this tasty chicken leg recipe. Made to be perfectly juicy and tender in every bite this is one recipe you are going to want to hold onto for years to come.
- Adjustable cooking temp. We smoke the chicken drumsticks at 250 degrees F. You can smoke at 225 or even 275 degrees F. The cooking time will vary depending on which temp you choose.
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 help coat the chicken well so that the seasonings hold.
For the smoked chicken drumsticks rub, you will need:
Salt: You will need ½ teaspoon of salt to help tenderize and flavor the chicken as it cooks.
Pepper: Adding in ½ teaspoon of ground pepper will flavor the chicken well.
Garlic powder: Use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for added flavor in every bite.
Paprika: Using ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika will help to 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 your drumsticks from their product packaging and pat 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. Set aside.
Season chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika for the smoke chicken rub.
After that, evenly sprinkle the spices over the top of the chicken.
Proceed to place the tray of chicken into the fridge as you prepare the smoker.
Prepare the smoker
Get your smoker ready for indirect cooking.
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.
Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F.
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 of the BBQ once the chicken is cooked through. Let them rest for 3-4 minutes before serving.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
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!
EASY SMOKED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
Ingredients
- 4 ½ pounds chicken drumsticks (about 12)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Start by removing your drumsticks from their product packaging and pat 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. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika for the smoke chicken rub.
- After that, evenly sprinkle the spices over the top of the chicken. Proceed to place the tray of chicken into the fridge as you prepare 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 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 recipes? We have you covered!
- EASY SMOKED CHICKEN LEGS
- STICK OF BUTTER SMOKED WHOLE CHICKEN
- Easy Smoked Meatloaf Recipe
- CHILE LIME SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS
- EASY SMOKED TURKEY BREAST RECIPE
This easy smoked chicken drumsticks recipe is very flavorful and tender. Every bite of juicy chicken will have you glad you waited around because it is slow cooked to flavorful perfection.
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