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Glossy smoked chicken drumsticks glazed in barbecue sauce with fresh herbs and peppercorns on a dark slate board

Smoked Chicken Legs

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These smoked chicken legs are the ultimate BBQ crowd-pleaser! With crispy skin, fall-apart meat, and rich smoky flavor, they’re easy to prep, perfectly seasoned, and ideal for beginners or pitmasters alike. Whether you’re smoking the full leg or just smoked chicken drumsticks, this recipe delivers unbeatable results every time.Try it now and become the backyard BBQ hero!

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 whole chicken legs (thigh + drumstick)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Wood chips or pellets (apple, cherry, or hickory)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken legs dry with paper towels. Trim excess skin or fat.
  2. Season: Mix all dry rub ingredients and coat chicken legs evenly. Let rest for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat Smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F–250°F. Add wood chips or pellets.
  4. Smoke: Place chicken legs on the smoker grates. Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temp reaches 175°F.
  5. Rest: Remove chicken from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve: Enjoy with your favorite BBQ sides or salads!

Notes

Nutrient Amount
Calories 360 kcal
Protein 31g
Fat 24g
Carbohydrates 3g
Fiber 0g
Sugars 2g
Sodium 510mg
Cholesterol 120mg
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, BBQ