Move over, hot wings! There’s a new game-day favorite in town, and it’s these smoked chicken drumsticks. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, these drumsticks are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Keep reading to learn how to make them!
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What are Smoked Chicken Drumsticks?
Put simply; smoked chicken drumsticks are chicken drumsticks that have been cooked in a smoker. This cooking method gives the chicken a deep, rich flavor that is perfect for any occasion.
And best of all, smoking chicken is actually quite easy to do at home! All you need is a smoker (you can find one at your local hardware store) and some wood chips (we recommend hickory or mesquite).
Why this Recipe Works?
Packed with flavor
Smoked chicken is packed with flavor thanks to the wood smoke that permeates the meat during cooking. The longer you cook the chicken, the more intense the flavor will be. That’s why we recommend smoking your chicken for at least 3 hours. However, if you’re short on time, you can still get great results by smoking your chicken for 1-2 hours.
Affordable
Smoking your own chicken at home is much cheaper than buying pre-cooked smoked chicken from the grocery store. Plus, it tastes better!
Simple to Prepare
This recipe is very easy to follow and only requires a few simple ingredients. It’s the perfect way to impress your friends and family with your smoking skills!
Easy to Time
Smoked chicken is very forgiving when it comes to timing. As long as you don’t overcook it, your chicken will be juicy and delicious.
Seasoning Choices
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s versatile. You can use any type of seasoning you like or even just a simple salt and pepper rub. Here are some of our favorite seasonings to use on smoked chicken:
Spicy Pastrami Rub
This rub is perfect for anyone who loves spicy food. It’s made with paprika, cumin, coriander, and chili powder, and it will give your chicken a nice kick.
Herbes de Provence
This classic French seasoning blend is made with rosemary, thyme, basil, and oregano. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of flavor to your chicken without overwhelming it.
Smoky Southwest Dry Rub
This southwest-inspired rub is made with smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. It’s perfect for anyone who loves bold, smoky flavors.
BBQ Sauce Choices
Just like with the seasoning, you can use any type of BBQ sauce you like. Here are some of our favorites:
Buffalo BBQ Sauce
This Buffalo-style BBQ sauce is perfect for anyone who loves spicy food. It’s made with hot sauce, vinegar, and butter, and it will give your chicken a nice kick.
Korean Honey Mustard
This sweet and tangy sauce is perfect for anyone who loves Korean food. It’s made with honey, mustard, soy sauce, and gochujang (Korean chili paste), and it’s the perfect way to add a bit of flavor to your chicken.
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Sauce
This sweet and spicy sauce is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors. It’s made with brown sugar, ketchup, and sriracha, and it will give your chicken a nice kick.
Prepping the Drumsticks
The first step is to prep your chicken drumsticks. This means removing the skin if you don’t want it, trimming any excess fat, and patting the chicken dry.
Seasoning the Chicken
Once your chicken is prepped, it’s time to season it. We recommend using a dry rub or BBQ sauce to flavor your chicken. You can choose any seasonings or sauces you like, or you can use our favorites listed above.
Binder is Optional
The next step is to apply a binder. A binder helps the seasoning stick to the chicken better. You can use anything for a binder, but my favorite is plain yogurt. Simply coat each drumstick in yogurt and then sprinkle on your seasonings again.
You can also use mayonnaise or buttermilk as a binder. Again, this step is optional, but we highly recommend it if you want flavorful, well-seasoned chicken.
Smoking the Drumsticks
Now it’s time to smoke your chicken. We recommend using an electric smoker for this recipe, but you can also use a charcoal or gas smoker.
Preheat the Smoker
The first step is to preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add the Wood Chips
Once the smoker is preheated, it’s time to add the wood chips. We recommend using hickory or apple wood chips for this recipe.
Smoke the Chicken Drumsticks
Now it’s time to add the chicken to the smoker. We recommend smoking the chicken for 80-90 minutes.
Usually, chicken is cooked to 165°F, but for wings and drumsticks, it’s better to go a bit higher. For best results, cook the meat until it reaches a temperature of 180-185°. The skin will be crispier and the meat less tough this way.
Sauce them to Finish
The final step is to sauce your chicken. This helps to create a nice thick, sticky crust on the chicken. Simply brush each drumstick with your favorite BBQ sauce and return them to the smoker. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the sauce is nice and sticky.
Rest and Serve
Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to re-distribute and the flavors to intensify. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Sauces to Try with Smoked Chicken
There are endless possibilities when it comes to sauces for smoked chicken. Here are a few of our favorites:
Sriracha Honey BBQ Sauce
If you love spicy food, you’ll love this sriracha honey BBQ sauce. It’s made with sriracha, honey, ketchup, and vinegar, and it’s the perfect way to add a bit of flavor to your chicken.
Hatch Chile Chimichurri Sauce
This bright and flavorful sauce is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors. It’s made with hatch chilies, cilantro, garlic, and vinegar, and it’s the perfect way to add a bit of flavor to your chicken.
Maple Chipotle BBQ Sauce
This sweet and spicy sauce is yet another great option for those who love bold flavors. It’s made with maple syrup, chipotle peppers, and spices, and it will give your chicken a nice sweet, and smoky flavor.
What Side Dishes go Best with Smoked Chicken Drumsticks?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to side dishes for smoked chicken, but here are a few of our favorites:
1. Coleslaw – If you’re looking for something a little lighter, coleslaw is a great option. The vinegar-based dressing cuts through the smoke of the chicken and refreshes your palate.
2. Potato Salad – Another BBQ favorite, potato salad is the perfect side dish for chicken drumsticks. The potatoes add a heartiness to the meal, and the mayo-based dressing ties everything together.
3. Pasta Salad – For a more filling side dish, pasta salad is always a good choice. The pasta soaks up the flavors of the chicken and dressing, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.
Tips for Making Chicken Drumsticks
Here are a few tips to help you make the best chicken drumsticks:
Experiment with Seasonings
The key to flavorful chicken is to experiment with the seasonings. There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning your chicken, so don’t be afraid to try something new.
Use the Right Wood
Another key to flavorful chicken is to use the right wood. The wood you use will impart its own unique flavor to the meat, so be sure to choose a wood that you love the taste of.
The Chicken Placement
When smoking chicken, it’s important to pay attention to the placement of the chicken. The chicken should be placed on the racks in such a way that it is not touching any other pieces of chicken. This ensures that the smoke can circulate evenly around all of the chicken, resulting in evenly cooked meat.
The Moisture
When smoking chicken, it’s important to maintain a consistent level of moisture. This can be done by using a water pan or by spraying the chicken with water every so often.
Storage Tips
Once your chicken is cooked, it’s important to store it properly to ensure that it stays fresh. Here are a few storage tips:
Store
The best way to store smoked chicken is to wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This will keep the chicken fresh for up to 4 days.
Freeze
Smoked chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge and reheat it in the oven or on the grill.
Smoked Drumsticks Frequently Asked Questions
Can you reheat chicken drumsticks?
Yes, you can reheat chicken drumsticks in a number of ways. But the best method depends on the amount of time you have and your personal preferences. If you’re short on time, you can reheat chicken drumsticks in the microwave. Simply place them on a plate and heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
For a more traditional approach, chicken drumsticks can also be reheated in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the drumsticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
How do you get crispy skin on chicken in a smoker?
There are a few things you can do to get crispy skin on your chicken in a smoker. First, make sure that the skin is dry before putting it in the smoker. You can pat it dry with a paper towel or let it air dry for a few minutes.
Next, you’ll want to apply a light coat of oil to the skin. This will help to crisp up the skin and give it a nice golden color.
How long do drumsticks take to smoke at 225?
Drumsticks will take approximately 2 hours to smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the exact time will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the type of smoker you’re using.
How long does it take to smoke drumsticks at 275?
It will take approximately 1.5 hours to smoke Drumsticks at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Again, the exact time will vary depending on the size of the drumsticks and the type of smoker you’re using.
Conclusion
Smoked drumsticks are a delicious, easy way to enjoy BBQ chicken without having to fire up the grill. By following these simple steps, you’ll be sure to have perfectly smoked drumsticks that are juicy and flavorful every time.
We hope you found this article helpful in learning how to make smoked chicken drumsticks!