Description
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for Flavor
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 cup chicken broth or apple juice (for moisture in the smoker)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and brown sugar. Mix well to form a paste.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken drumsticks thoroughly with the marinade. Place them in a resealable bag or container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the Smoker: Prepare your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Preheat it to 225°F (107°C).
- Prepare the Smoking Material: Use wood chips like hickory or applewood for a nice smoky flavor. Soak the chips in water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
- Add Chicken to the Smoker: Once the smoker is ready, place the marinated drumsticks directly on the grill grates.
- Add Moisture: Pour chicken broth or apple juice into the smoker’s water pan to help maintain moisture and enhance the flavor.
- Smoke the Chicken: Close the smoker and let the chicken cook for about 1 hour.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer a crispy skin, increase the smoker temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 10-15 minutes.
- Rest Before Serving: Once done, remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Experiment with different wood chips for varied flavors.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 120 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drumstick
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
