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There’s something so satisfying about smoked chicken legs. Maybe it’s a primal thing?
Whatever the reason, that smoky flavor and ripping meat off the bone with your teeth is definitely primal. If you’re craving that smoky flavor, and primal experience, you’re going to love these smoked chicken legs (otherwise known as chicken drumsticks).
So pull out your favorite smoker and get to cooking up some delicious drumsticks that your friends and family will be raving about all summer.
Are chicken drumsticks a good source of protein?
A single chicken drumstick has over 12 grams of protein. Chances are you’re going to eat at least two. That’s a great source of protein. The dark meat also has iron. If you’re worrying about fat, you can always remove the skin.
Dry rub recipe for your smoked chicken legs:
Smoked Chicken Rub: This is another great smoker recipe that uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. This recipe will make enough for 2 chicken recipes. Reserve remaining rub in an airtight container. The dry rub can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Here are the ingredients you will need for the dry rub:
- Chicken drumsticks
- Olive oil
- Dark brown sugar
- Coarse sea salt
- Smoked paprika
- Cracked black pepper
- Ground cumin
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
How do you make smoked chicken legs?
- Preheat the smoker to 180 degrees F.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients, except for the olive oil. Set aside.
- Pat the chicken dry and then rub down with olive oil.
4. Rub the dry rub onto the chicken legs.
How long do you smoke your chicken legs?
For these smoked chicken legs, I used the Signature Blend Wood Pellets and cooked them on my Traeger smoker.
It can take 50 to 60 minutes to smoke chicken legs. The exact time will of course depend on the temperature you’re smoking at and the size of the drumsticks.
If you’ve got some really meaty drumsticks, it will obviously take longer. The chicken legs are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Place the chicken legs on the smoker and cook for 30 minutes with the lid closed.
Increase the temperature to 375 degrees F and continue cooking for 20 – 30 more minutes until the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
If you like, serve these smoked chicken legs with your favorite bbq or dipping sauce. Like my easy 3 ingredient BBQ sauce, Texas BBQ sauce, or Alabama White sauce recipes.
Another personal favorite of mine is this Chipotle dipping sauce.
Although, I personally think these chicken drumsticks don’t need them!
What Are Some Good Sides to Serve with Smoked Drumsticks?
These smoked chicken legs (or drumsticks) taste delicious with my coleslaw recipe, grilled corn on the cob, smoked mac and cheese, or BBQ baked beans.
For next time, you may want to check out my Traeger chicken thighs and chicken brine recipe too!
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks about 2 pounds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Smoked Chicken Rub
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tbsp cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper more if you like
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 180°F
- Combine the chicken rub in a small bowl.
- Pat the drumsticks dry with a paper towel.
- Coat the drumsticks with olive oil and season generously with the chicken rub.
- Lay the drumsticks directly on the grill grates and smoke for 30 minutes with the lid closed.
- Increase the grill temperature to 375° F and cook for another 20-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the drumsticks reaches 165° F.
- Serve immediately.
