Chicken Drumsticks On A Traeger

If you want a delicious chicken drumstick recipe then look no further!

Whether you want a quick and easy appetizer for a BBQ cookout or a healthy and quick evening summer meal.

We have you covered!

Traeger Smoked Chicken Legs

My family absolutely loves Traeger chicken legs for dinner. They are not only incredibly delicious but also very budget-friendly, low in fat, and high in protein.

The best part is that they don’t even need a sauce, but adding a touch of barbecue or teriyaki sauce on top takes them to a whole new level of yumminess. I enjoy preparing them in various ways, but smoking them on a Traeger grill is an absolute favorite in my family. It brings out a fantastic smoky taste that we all adore.

What You Need For Traeger Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

• Chicken Legs
• Kosher Salt
• Store Brought Dry Rub or see the homemade recipe below
• Basting sauce of your choice or see our homemade BBQ sauce below

Note: In this recipe, you can replace the drumsticks with chicken wings or chicken thighs.

Dry Rub Ingredients 

•  1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp paprika 
• 1 tsp dried oregano 

What Temperature Do I Smoke The Chicken Drumsticks?

For best results, smoke the chicken drumsticks at a temperature of 250°F – 270°F.

What Is The Cooking Time For Traeger Smoked Chicken Legs?

Average-sized chicken drumsticks will take around 2 hours to cook.

What Internal Temperature Does Smoked Chicken Need To Be?

Before your chicken is ready to eat it needs to reach an internal temperature of 180°F

Note: Chicken breasts only need to be at an internal temperature of 165°F.

How To Accurately Monitor The Internal Temp of Chicken

A calibrated digital meat thermometer is the most accurate and safe way to monitor.

Luckily a Traeger Pellet Grill comes with these handy tools built in! You can also monitor the temperature live from your phone if using the app!

Be careful to make sure the probe is not touching the bone for a faulty reading.

Note: Insert the meat probe into your largest chicken drumstick.

Choosing The Right Wood Pellets For Chicken Drumsticks

We have used applewood pellets to incorporate a sweet and light flavor but only because we are marinating and basting with stronger flavors.

Switch up the pellets and flavor with the other varieties below:

• Maplewood for still light but hearty flavor.
• Hickory for a robust smoke flavor.
• Cherrywood for the perfect balance!

What If I Don’t Have A Traeger Pellet Smoker?

You can also use a charcoal or electric smoker. If you only have a gas grill you can use a smoking tube.

What To Serve With Our Delicious Drumstick Recipe?

These chicken drumsticks make a perfect game-day appetizer or main meal. Here is what I like to serve with them

Smoked Mashed Potatoes

Grilled Corn

Wasabi Potato Salad

Smoked Brownies for Dessert

Brussel Sprouts

Preparation For The Recipe 

We are nearly at the steps to follow for the recipe so make sure you get to the end!

Below are steps on how to prepare those yummy drumsticks before they even touch hot grill grates:

Should I Wash The Raw Chicken Legs?

There is much disagreement on whether you should wash raw meat before cooking.

While this is usually the case in countries with lower food safety standards it is not required. Washing raw chicken increases the risk of bacteria contaminating surfaces.

Plus any external bacteria will be killed during the smoking process. This is why I don’t recommend washing the chicken drumsticks with water before cooking.

How To Prepare The Chicken Drumsticks For Marinating

Take the raw chicken drumsticks and make even incisions with your knife down to the bone. This will help with heat dispersion and marinade absorption into the meat.

Marinating The Chicken Drumsticks 

A marinade or brine is an important step and should not be missed especially with chicken as it can be flavorless and prone to losing moisture.

To apply the marinade evenly mix the ingredients below

– Remove the drumsticks to a clean bowl and cover with the mixture.

– Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Note: Marinating for too long can cause the meat proteins to go mushy.

Do not marinate for longer than 24 hours.

Marinade Ingredients 

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worchester sauce
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 3 tbsp olive oil (or another type of vegetable oil)

How to Make Traeger Smoked Chicken Drumsticks 

So there we have it! I hope you enjoy this smoker recipe for chicken drumsticks by following the below steps:

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken Drumsticks 

– Prepare & marinate the drumsticks as per above.

– Pat off the remaining marinade and lightly coat it with oil and salt.

– Mix your spices and cover the oiled drumsticks completely.

Step 2: Smoking The Traeger Chicken Drumsticks 

– Load the pellets, prime, set the grill temperature to 250°F, and wait until up to temp.

– Place the drumsticks directly on the grill grate and away from the heat.

– Insert the temperature probes and monitor until 100°F.

– Turn the drumsticks and then smoke to an internal temp of 170°F.

– Make the BBQ sauce as per above.

– Brush BBQ sauce on the drumsticks while they continue cooking to 180°F.

Step 3: Rest & Enjoy

– Safely remove the chicken drumsticks from the Traeger Pellet Grill.

– Rest for 10 minutes wrapped in aluminum foil to achieve extra juicy meat!

– Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Smoke On!

Charlie

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