Chicken Drumsticks on a Pellet Grill

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Looking for a mouthwatering smoked chicken drumstick recipe? With tender, juicy meat and irresistibly crispy skin, this recipe is an absolute winner.

Whether hosting a large gathering or seeking a quick, budget-friendly, and delectable meal, look no further than these smoked chicken legs.

Easy Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

This recipe is super simple. Anyone can make it! I have tested it many times, so you’ll always have super juicy chicken! You only need to pick out your favorite BBQ rub or use my homemade one below. Then pick out a few tasty sides to do with the drumsticks, and you have a declious meal, perfect for kids and adults!

What You’ll Need

• Chicken drumsticks
• BBQ Rub (I also provide a recipe below if you want to make it at home)
• Olive oil

How to Make Chicken Drumsticks on a Pellet Grill

Step 1: Preheat the Smoker

Heat the smoker to 250°F. Load up with your favorite type of wood pellets (I recommend fruit wood like cherrywood or applewood)

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Apply a binder and coat it with a rub (my homemade rub is below, but you can use a store-bought one, too). If you prefer, you can marinate the chicken (try to allow at least 6 hours if you do this; this helps the chicken tenderize).

• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon thyme
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons chilli powder
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper

Step 3: Smoke the Chicken

Place the chicken in the smoker for about 60-90 minutes. It is best to place them in indirect heat. Halfway through, flip the chicken once.

Step 4: Finish the Chicken

When the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165-180°F, remove it from the grill. Let the meat rest for about 5-10 minutes. Serve and enjoy

What Temperature to Smoke Chicken Drumsticks

Smoke the chicken at 250-275°F.

What Internal Temperature to Reach for Chicken Drumsticks

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which is safe to serve. Since drumsticks are dark meat, you can even cook them to 180°F. They won’t dry out at this temperature like white meat will.

How Long to Smoke Chicken Drumsticks

Cook the chicken for 30-45 minutes per pound at 250°F, which will be 60-90 minutes.

If your smoker is set at 275°F, you can expect a shorter cooking time. It is important to cook the poultry until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How Much Chicken per Person?

Allow enough for 1/2 pound to a pound of chicken. Drumsticks usually weigh about 4 ounces so plan to have 2-4 drumsticks per person.

Another thing to consider is how many sides you will serve. If people fill up on sides, they will likely eat less meat.

What Wood Chips Are Best for Chicken?

When smoking chicken, I prefer using fruit wood pellets such as apple and cherry wood.

Should You Spritz the Drumsticks?

For juicy chicken, you want to spritz it every 30 minutes. I like to use apple juice, but you can use other things. If you don’t have a spray bottle, use a basting brush.

How to Season Your Chicken Drumsticks

Use your favorite chicken rub, barbecue seasoning, or a homemade blend.

Here’s a simple guide to seasoning your chicken drumsticks:

1. Start patting the drumsticks dry with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
2. In a bowl, combine your desired spices. A basic seasoning blend can include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary (see the exact measurement below)
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the drumsticks, ensuring all sides are coated.
4. Rub the seasoning into the chicken, making sure it adheres well.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Drumsticks

Leftover chicken should be refrigerated in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Make sure you refrigerate the chicken within two hours of cooking it.

How to Reheat Leftovers

You can reheat chicken using your preferred method: the microwave, air fryer, oven, or grill.

When heating leftovers, the internal temperature doesn’t matter as much. However, you’ll want it to be warm enough to enjoy. You can also eat leftover chicken cold. Make a chicken salad or toss the meat into a soup or rice dish!

What to Serve With Chicken Drumsticks

Not sure what to serve with your chicken? See some of my favorite sides below.

• Smoked Corn
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Baked Potato
• Brussel Sprouts

Read More: See more sides for chicken here.

📌 Did you try this recipe?

Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it?

I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you!

📌 Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.

Smoke On!

Charlie

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