Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Savory and juicy smoked chicken drumsticks make an irresistible addition to any barbecue or gathering. The flavor is a smoky combination, and when the skin is cooked to a crisp and seasoned, it’s too good to miss. Slow-cooked to fork-tender perfection, they are so packed with bold, savory flavors beneath their crispy skin. These are perfect for a no fuss dinner or snack for a crowd, best served alongside your favorite dipping sauce or sides for a meal that can be on your table in no time. Dig into the smokiness in each bites!
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Whether you’ve been smoking meats like a seasoned pitmaster or you are new to trying your hand with smoke, this is the best drumstick recipe you are going to make that will wow your family and friends.
Why Use Smoked Chicken Drumsticks?
Chicken drumsticks are an affordable, flavorful cut that smokes beautifully. They cook faster, too, because they’re smaller than their larger cousins, so they’re right at home for weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining. Not to mention the smoky flavor elevates them to next-level deliciousness.
Ingredients:
How to Get Perfect Smoked Drumsticks
Use a Meat Thermometer:
Make sure the drumsticks hit an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
Crispy Skin:
If you want crispier skin, increase smoker temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the final 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Experiment With Rubs:
Discover your preferred flavor profiles by experimenting with different spice blends, including sweet and smoky, or spicy and savory.
Overnight Marinade:
If you want to take the flavor of the drumsticks even further and to the next level, marinate the drumsticks overnight in your dry rub and olive oil mixture in the refrigerator.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavors: The mix of smoking, seasoning and barbecue sauce (if applicable) makes a delicious taste.
- Easy and Hands-Free: There’s minimal prep and a set-it-and-forget-it cooking method, so this one is within reach for all.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Smoked chicken drumsticks are a hit at parties, game days, or family dinners.
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Prep Time: 20 Mins > Cook Time: 20 Mins > Total Time: 40 Mins
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Step 1:
Use paper towels to pat the chicken drumsticks dry. This also helps the seasoning adhere better and aids in getting skin crispier.
Step 2:
Drizzle olive oil over the drumsticks, then add dry rub generously. For more flavor spread the seasoning all over.
Step 3:
Place the drumsticks on the smoker grates, leaving adequate space between each drumstick to allow for the flow of even cooking. Maintain a smoke for in between 1.5-2 hours or until internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Step 4:
In the last 15 minutes of smoking, brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce for a caramelized glaze. Cook them for the rest of the time to let the sauce set.
Step 5:
Take the drumsticks off the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute for a moist but flavorful chicken. Pair with your favorite sides such as coleslaw, baked beans or cornbread.
Conclusion
When it comes to easy, succulent chicken dinner, smoke chicken drumsticks are the way to go! This recipe is adaptable, you can adjust the flavorings to your own preferences while highlighting the an irresistible flavor of smoked meat. Crank up your smoker and treat yourself to this dish, delicious and easy to make.
