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Smoked chicken drumsticks would be the end of you crowd pleasers for they give you heavenly mouthfuls of food that smoke-rich flavors combine into soft, tender meat. Imagine all those drumsticks hugging under a sizzling smoldering fire, skin turned golden-brown, ready to melt in your mouth. Just sprinkle some smoked paprika and add applewood chips, and you are on your way to restaurant-worthy mains.
Bring on the family dinner or the aspiration of impressing at your next backyard BBQ; smoked chicken thighs and drumsticks come packed with flavor. Best of all, you wouldn’t believe how simple they are to prepare! Stick around and learn how you can duplicate this dish at home with maximum flavor, minimum fuss.
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks: A BBQ Favorite
It is really barbeque chicken drumsticks that are the preferred choice of BBQ lovers from different parts of the country. Bold, smoky flavors are all complemented by tender and juicy meat. The scenes may range from summer cookouts to snapping fall tailgates and cozy dinners indoors in winter; such a simple and versatile dish to bring the family around the smoker. Real magic is simplicity: a few spices and good wood chips with some patience create a meal fit for being served in a Southern BBQ joint. Great for gathering your friends or your family together, these drumsticks make cooking easy and flavor and aroma-rich every single time.
My First Time Smoking Chicken Drumsticks
I still very much recall the first time I ever made smoked chicken drumsticks. It was a summer weekend when everyone gathered for BBQ at the backyard. The sun was high above; the kids were running around madly, and the sound of hickory smoke was in the air. I always remember when Dad, our family grill-master, handed me the tongs and said, “Your turn!” I followed suit nervously yet excitedly, giving the drumsticks a thorough seasoning and hawking over the smoker. At the end of it all, the drumsticks vanished within minutes of serving; that made it all worthwhile. Since then, every time I fire up the smoker, there’s much more to it for me than just cooking-it’s about building memories together.
Easy Smoked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe for Beginners
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Southern BBQDifficulty: EasyServings
4
servingsPrep time
30
minutesCooking time
2
hoursCalories per drumstick
200
kcalIngredients
8 chicken drumsticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
½ cup BBQ sauce (optional for finishing)
Directions
- Prepare the Drumsticks:
- Pat dry the chicken drumsticks using the paper towel. It makes the seasoning great to stick. Put them in a big bowl and drizzle them with olive oil, tossing them around to coat evenly.
- Season the Chicken:
- Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Sprinkle this seasoning adroitly over the hollow drumsticks to coat them.
- Preheat the Smoker:
- Prepare your smoker at 225 degrees Fahrenheit with whichever kind of wood chips you like such as hickory or applewood to give yourself a balanced flavor.
- Smoke the Drumsticks:
- Put the drumsticks lazy, and on the smoker grates. there should be a little space between each drumstick Apply smoke for 1.5-2 hours until the temperature reaches 175 degrees F inside. Measure with a meat thermometer.
- Optional BBQ Glaze:
- Or, if you prefer a sticky glaze, brush with BBQ sauce during the last 20 minutes of cooking and allow to caramelize without overbasting, which will destroy the smoky flavor.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the drumsticks from the smoker and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. Serve hot with some sides of your choosing like coleslaw or cornbread.
Notes
- Wood Choice: These chips also allow for a very rich, smoky flavor without overpowering the chicken, whether it's applewood or hickory.
- Crispier Skin: For those who prefer really crispy skin, just crank the smoker temperature right up to 300°F for the last 10 minutes.
- Storage: Store drumsticks in airtight containers, in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in oven at 350° for approximately ten minutes.
- Flavor Variations: Use flavor variations of spice rubs and marinades at home to your taste.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
Serving size 1 smoked chicken drumstick (100g)
Calories 200
| Total Fat 9g | 12% |
|---|---|
| Saturated Fat 2.5g | 13% |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 80mg | 27% |
| Sodium 250mg | 11% |
| Total Carbohydrate 2g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0g | |
| Includes Added Sugars 0g | 0% |
| Protein 22g |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
|---|---|
| Calcium 20mg | 2% |
| Iron 0.7mg | 4% |
| Potassium 220mg | 5% |
FAQ
What is the temperature for smoking chicken drumsticks?
Drumsticks should be smoked at around 225 degrees Fahrenheit up to an internal temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit for the best quality. This produces very tender, juicy meat.
What makes chicken not dry when smoked?
Keeping the drumsticks moist can be done by brushing them all over with olive oil and avoiding overcooking. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is perfectly cooked.
Can I replace my smoker with a gas grill?
Yes! A smoke box or foil packet packed with wood chips can be placed on the heat source of the grill, and grilled at a lower temperature of about 225 degrees F.
What wood chips are best for smokes with chicken?
Hickory and applewood are tops for smoking chicken. Applewood comes with the sweeter, milder flavor, while hickory imparts a stronger, smokier flavor.
How long are drumsticks to be smoked?
Usually, smoking chicken drumsticks takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a smoking temperature of 225°F. Timing may vary slightly based on the size of the drumsticks and the consistency of the smoker.
Can I cook drumsticks beforehand?
Absolutely! You can season the drumsticks as early as 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. The seasonings infuse, and you can make it easier for a rushed cooking day.
Make Smoked Chicken Drumsticks Today!
Not only is smoked chicken drumsticks a dish; it’s an experience from the time you start firing the smoker until the glorious first bite. It has bold smoky sweetness; tender juiciness that is hard to beat. Be it for a summer BBQ or around family table for dinner, or just for taking yourself to some real good eats; this recipe covers.
Guess what? Even for someone new to smoking, it is pretty easy to put together, using very basic ingredients, with a no-fuss approach and only a little patience-in short, a meal that believably came straight from the BBQ pitmaster’s kitchen. And that’s the beauty of smoked chicken: any side dish-from creamy coleslaw to butter-kissed cornbread-is appropriate for this delicious whole-meal pairing.
Grab your drumsticks! Prepare the smoker and prepare to impress your mouth. Because whether it’s the aroma, the crispy skin, or the falling-off-the-bone tender meat, it will make you enjoy every bite. Try this one because you will be convinced why smoked chicken drumsticks have become a BBQ favorite in many homes!!
