These smoked chicken drumsticks are the perfect starter for your outdoor barbecue, tailgate, or any other gathering. Cooking these low and slow creates an extremely tender, juicy delight and you won’t be disappointed!
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks-Preparation
First, to turn these into an easy to eat finger food, I like to take off the skin and cartilage around the knuckle. This step is optional if you are in a hurry, but it makes the presentation more impressive and easier to enjoy without a mess.
Next, coat all sides of each drumstick with my spice rub, or your favorite rub.
Grilling Instructions
I set up my kettle grill for indirect cooking, with applewood chunks for the smokey flavor. I like to cook these at about 250 degrees for 30 minutes, with the flavoring wood. Resist the temptation to add more applewood after 30 minutes, because it will get too smokey and the flavor will overwhelm everything.
After you hit the 30 minute mark, you can leave the temp at 250 degrees and cook for another 1.5-2 hours. You are looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees, so if you want to move things along quicker, turn up the temperature to 300-325 degrees which will shorten the time to about an hour.
Next, during the last 30 minutes, I like to baste each drumstick with BBQ sauce. Tip: Be careful not to have the chicken over direct heat when putting the sauce on. It will burn easily. Now it’s time to enjoy so pass them around! Young and old will love these drumsticks. If you will not be serving immediately, place in a pan and cover. Keep warm in an oven set at 200 degrees for up to 2 hours.
These smoked chicken drumsticks are a great appetizer. They are simple with very little hands on time. Now, grab your favorite beverage and sit back while they cook.
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Grill
- Thermometer
Ingredients
- 12 Chicken Drumsticks
Instructions
- Set up smoker/grill for indirect cooking
- Trim the skin off the knuckle of each drumstick
- Coat all sides of the chicken with spice rub
- Place chicken on grill at 225-250 degrees
- Cook until internal temp of 165 degrees, about 2-2 1/2 hours
- Baste with favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes
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