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Smoked Chicken Drumsticks (3)

Perfectly Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

Learn how to make perfectly tender and juicy smoked chicken drumsticks with this foolproof recipe. From choosing the right wood chips to achieving crispy skin, this guide will help you master the art of smoking chicken.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (not including brining)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken drumsticks (approximately 8–10 pieces)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp BBQ dry rub (or your favorite seasoning mix)
  • 1 gallon water (for brine)
  • ½ cup kosher salt (for brine)
  • ½ cup sugar (for brine)
  • Optional: apple juice or vinegar for spritzing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Brine (Optional):
    • Mix water, kosher salt, sugar, and optional herbs in a large container.
    • Submerge the drumsticks in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
    • Rinse and pat the drumsticks dry.
  2. Season the Drumsticks:
    • Coat the drumsticks with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.
    • Generously apply BBQ dry rub, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Preheat the Smoker:
    • Set your smoker to 225°F.
    • Add soaked wood chips (hickory, applewood, or mesquite) for smoke.
  4. Smoke the Drumsticks:
    • Arrange the drumsticks on the smoker grates, leaving space for airflow.
    • Smoke for 2-3 hours, spritzing with apple juice or vinegar every 30 minutes for added moisture.
  5. Check the Temperature:
    • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
  6. Crisp the Skin (Optional):
    • Increase the smoker temperature to 400°F for the final 10-15 minutes to achieve crispy skin.
  7. Rest and Serve:
    • Let the drumsticks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra flavor boost, mix your BBQ rub with brown sugar or paprika.
  • If using a pellet smoker, choose pellets that complement poultry, like apple or pecan.
  • Pair smoked drumsticks with coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ optional 4-6 hours for brining)
  • Cook Time: 2-3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Smoking
  • Cuisine: American BBQ
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 drumsticks
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Smoked chicken drumsticks, smoked chicken legs, BBQ chicken drumsticks, crispy smoked drumsticks, smoked drumstick recipe