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.

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

2 hrs

Additional Time:

8 hrs

Total Time:

10 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

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Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

12 chicken drumsticks
¼ cup vegetable oil, or as needed
⅓ cup BBQ rub

Directions

Place drumsticks on a rack over a drip tray or baking sheet. Air-dry in the refrigerator, 8 hours to overnight.
Preheat an electric smoker to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C) and add wood chips according to manufacturer's instructions.
Brush drumsticks lightly with vegetable oil. Place drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag and sprinkle with the rub. Toss to coat evenly.
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.

Cook’s Note

My favorite rub is Brown Sugar BBQ Rub.

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

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

165	Calories
9g	Fat
1g	Carbs
20g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 165
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g	11%
Saturated Fat 2g	9%
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 1280mg	56%
Total Carbohydrate 1g	1%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Protein 20g	39%
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Calcium 33mg	3%
Iron 1mg	6%
Potassium 167mg	4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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