Description
Juicy smoked chicken legs with a flavorful dry rub of paprika, garlic, thyme, and a hint of cayenne. Perfect for backyard cookouts or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 lbs chicken drumsticks (about 12 pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your smoker to 250°F, preparing your wood chips of choice.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, salt, garlic powder, thyme, onion powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pat chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Sprinkle the dry rub over the chicken legs and massage it into the skin for full coverage.
- Cook to Perfection: Place drumsticks on the smoker grates. Smoke for 90 minutes to 2 hours, until internal temperature reaches 175°F. Optionally broil for 2–3 minutes for crispier skin.
- Finishing Touches: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the smoker.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate with sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread and serve hot.
Notes
- Patting chicken dry ensures crispy skin.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat level.
- Use different wood chips for varied smoky flavors.
- Letting chicken rest keeps it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken legs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg