Smoked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe Recap
These smoked chicken drumsticks are juicy, flavorful, and fall-off-the-bone tender. Infused with smoky goodness and a hint of spice, they’re perfect for backyard BBQs or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
🍗 Main Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
🧂 Dry Rub (Homemade or Store-Bought)
- You can use a pre-made chicken rub or mix up your own with this simple blend:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a little heat
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
🌬️ Wood Chips or Pellets (Your Choice)
- Hickory applewood, or cherry all work great.
- Choose your favorite based on how bold or sweet you want the smoke flavor.
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Drumsticks
- Pat the chicken dry using paper towels—this helps the skin get nice and crispy.
- Coat with olive oil, making sure each piece is lightly covered.
- Rub generously with your dry seasoning blend. Massage it in so it sticks to every surface.
2️⃣ Preheat the Smoker
- Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C) for low-and-slow cooking.
- Add your choice of wood chips or pellets—hickory for bold flavor, applewood or cherry for a sweeter touch.
3️⃣ Smoke the Chicken
- Arrange drumsticks directly on the grill grates, leaving space between each one for even airflow.
- Smoke for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F in the thickest part of the meat (avoid touching bone).
4️⃣ (Optional) Crisp the Skin
- If you prefer crispy skin (and who doesn’t?), you can:
- Crank up the smoker to 375°F during the last 10 minutes, OR
- Pop them on a hot grill for 2–3 minutes per side to finish.
5️⃣ Rest and Serve
- Remove from the smoker and let the drumsticks rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- This locks in the juices and gives you that perfect bite every time.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fiber: 0g