Smoked Chicken Legs

Smoked chicken legs are a game-changer for any BBQ enthusiast. Even as a beginner, smoking chicken drumsticks on a pellet grill gives you a tender and juicy chicken with delicious smoky flavor. This smoked chicken drumsticks recipe has the perfect dry seasoning rub and works on an electric smoker, charcoal smoker or gas smoker.

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Smoked chicken legs are a delicious and simple recipe perfect for that summer barbeque!

Not only are smoked chicken drumsticks a great affordable dinner option, but chicken is so versatile and can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger spread.

Perfect with grilled vegetables, salad, potatoes or drenched in a delicious chicken wing sauce or dipped in a sriracha aioli.

Can we be real here. Smoking chicken is the superior cooking method. Am I right?!

If you love to smoke on your Traeger, Pit Boss or any other apple of your eye, check out this Smoked Pork Loin, Smoked Whole Chicken and Smoked Salmon along with your smoked chicken drumsticks to make all your smoked meat dream come true!

Smoke flavor adds a depth and complexity, plus the low and slow cooking process results in super tender and juicy.

Plus, chicken legs are an affordable and forgiving cut of meat which is perfect for a beginner smoker which is why Traeger chicken drumsticks have become so popular!

When smoking chicken legs on pellet grill, you can choose any of your favorite smoke flavors such as hickory, cherry, apple, oak, or mesquite. I have even been known to blend a couple!

Smoked chicken legs are perfect to experiment with different marinade recipes, chicken brine, spices, and dry rubs to find the perfect combination that you love!

Once you smell those pellet grill chicken drumsticks, you will be sold, I promise!

Whether you are making Pit Boss chicken legs, , smoked chicken drumsticks, Traeger chicken legs (Traeger drumsticks), you are in good hands!

Now let’s fire up the smoker and get ready for some fun!

Why this recipe works

Pellet grill chicken drumsticks super juicy, flavorful and easy to make. You can also use this smoked chicken drumsticks recipe using any other type of smoker (Traeger chicken drumsticks anyone?). You will also loved this smoked chicken breast!

A delicious smoke flavor cannot be duplicated! Plus, these drumsticks are super versatile. Marinade, rub, you name it – it will be delicious. Serve these up with a side of Pesto without Pine Nuts and veggies to dip and you are in business!

Smoked chicken legs are a great option those who are new to smoking meat. It’s a great way to test out your smoker with an affordable and versatile cut of meat.

Ingredients

Smoked Chicken Legs/Drumsticks

• Chicken Legs: Fresh or frozen (legs or drumsticks).
• Olive Oil: Or any neutral oil of choice including vegetable, canola, avocado, peanut or grapeseed oil.

Smoked Chicken Legs/Drumsticks Rub (Seasoning)

• Smoked Paprika: You can also use sweet paprika or Hungarian paprika. Both work well on smoked chicken drumsticks.
• Onion Powder
• Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor.
• Garlic Powder
• Italian Seasoning
• Kosher Salt
• Cumin
• Back Pepper: Freshly ground is best if possible.
• Cayenne Pepper: Can also use crushed red pepper.

How to smoke chicken legs

Prepare Chicken Legs/Drumsticks

• If chicken legs/drumsticks are frozen, defrost in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.

Chicken Legs/Drumsticks Dry Rub

• In a small bowl, mix together whole chicken seasoning dry rub (smoked or sweet paprika, onion powder, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, kosher salt and cayenne pepper).

Season and Smoke Chicken Legs

1. Preheat your smoker to 250-275°F. Hold temperature in this range.
2. Drizzle chicken legs with olive oil and rub evenly. Sprinkle dry rub seasoning mixture evenly over chicken legs.
3. Place the chicken legs in the smoker or pellet grill.
4. Maintaining a smoker temperature range of 250-275°F, smoke the chicken legs for approximately 1.5-2.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken meat reaches 175°F (be sure thermometer is not touching the bone for the most accurate reading).
5. Optional: If you wish to baste with barbeque sauce, baste when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving smoked chicken drumsticks.

This recipe works for all brands and types of smokers including Traeger, Pit Boss, Weber, Masterbuilt, Camp Chef, Yoder, Green Mountain Grills, Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Dyna-Glo, Char-Broil, Bradley, Louisiana Grills, Char-Griller, Oklahoma Joe’s, Recteq and Primo.

Chicken Cooking Temperature: FDA recommendation for cooking chicken is an internal temperature of 165° F (63° C) (but dark meat we recommend 175° F to be on the safe side). I recommend using a thermometer that measures the internal temperature of the meat as well as the internal temperature of the smoker

FAQ and expert tips

Best smoked chicken leg sides

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