Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

These smoked chicken legs are so versatile and easy! I like to use applewood chips or other fruit woods, but maple is also a great choice. Use your favorite BBQ rub. Letting the legs air-dry in the refrigerator overnight, combined with a higher smoking temperature, helps prevent rubbery skin that is common when smoking chicken. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce, if desired.


Recipes · Meat and Poultry · Chicken · Chicken Leg Recipes


Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 10 hrs 10 mins
Additional Time: 8 hrs
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Ingredients List

  • 12 chicken drumsticks

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil, or as needed

  • ⅓ cup BBQ rub


Directions

  1. Place drumsticks on a rack over a drip tray or baking sheet. Air-dry in the refrigerator, 8 hours to overnight.

  2. Preheat an electric smoker to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C) and add wood chips according to manufacturer's instructions.

  3. Brush drumsticks lightly with vegetable oil. Place drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag and sprinkle with the rub. Toss to coat evenly.

  4. Place drumsticks on the rack in the smoker. Smoke until chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 2 hours.

Tips

My favorite rub is this Brown Sugar BBQ Rub.

For extra-crispy skin, you can place drumsticks under a broiler, in an air fryer, or on a grill for 3 to 5 minutes.


Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts
165 Calories
9g Fat
1g Carbs
20g Protein


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