Smoked Drumsticks Three Ways – Seasoned, Buffalo and Lemon & Herb Recipe

Chicken drumsticks are a perfect protein for an outdoor party. And, they are very affordable. Being able to eat these with your hands is fun. Just be sure to have plenty of napkins or paper towels on hand.

The three recipes here are for drumsticks that are smoked in a Masterbuilt Smoker, either electric, propane, or charcoal will work for these recipes. I leave the skin on because it is a great source of natural fat to keep the chicken moist. It also tastes pretty good with all of that smokiness.

If you are feeling like you want more of a meal entrée, you could certainly smoke the entire legs of the chicken – drums and thighs. Just adapt the recipes for quantities needed.

Seasoned & Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

Seasoned & Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

Yield: 4 people

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Learn how to smoke absolutely delicious seasoned chicken drumsticks.

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Ingredients

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 2 TBS paprika
• 2 tsps sea salt
• 2 tsps dried thyme
• 2 tsps onion powder
• 2 tsps cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, or adjust to your desired heat level)

Instructions

1. Mix the EVOO and minced garlic together. Place the drumsticks on a sheet pan and coat all sides with the oil and garlic. Mix together the dried seasonings with a whisk. Using your hands, sprinkle the mixture over the drumsticks, turning to coat all sides evenly. Set the chicken aside while you preheat your smoker.
2. Take a rack or 2 from your smoker for the drumsticks. Add wood chips to the tray of the smoker. Place water in the bowl. Preheat your smoker to a temperature of 220˚F.
3. Place the drumsticks on the smoker racks and place the racks inside the smoker. Smoke the chicken legs for 1-1/2 hours and rotate them for even cooking. Add more wood chips and water as needed. Smoke for another 1-1/2 hours and check the internal temperature. You are looking for at least 165˚F. Smoke longer if needed to achieve the appropriate temperature.
4. Serve the drumsticks on a platter with lots of napkins and your other favorite party snacks. I think these pair nicely with smoked corn on the cob and a crisp kohlrabi slaw with apples.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 767Total Fat: 52gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 38gCholesterol: 347mgSodium: 1439mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 67g

Buffalo Style Smoked Drumsticks

Ingredients:

• 12 chicken drumsticks
• 1/2 stick butter melted
• 1/2 cup your favorite hot sauce
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 1-1/2 tsps sea salt
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• Apple cider vinegar
• Extra hot sauce for after the cook

Total time: 2 hour 10 min – Prep time: 10 min – Smoke time: 2 hour – Serves: 6 people

Directions:

1. In a large bowl mix together the melted butter, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add the drumsticks and toss to coat evenly. Set the bowl aside while you preheat the smoker.

2. Take one or two racks out of the smoker. Add aggressive wood chips, such as mesquite, to the tray or pan. Fill the water bowl with 3/4 water and 1/4 apple cider vinegar. Preheat the smoker to 250˚F.

3. Place the drumsticks on the racks and place in the hot smoker. Cook for 1-1/2 hours. Rotate the chicken and cook for another hour until the chicken reaches and internal temperature of between 165˚F and 175˚F. Replenish the wood chips and liquid as needed.

4. Place the smoked drumsticks on a platter and drizzle some more hot sauce over them. Serve with blue cheese sauce, celery sticks, and carrot sticks. A recipe for blue cheese sauce follows.

Blue Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 2 TBS sour cream
• 1 TBS freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup crumbled Maytag or gorgonzola blue cheese

Prep time: 5 min – Serves: 6 people

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, half and half, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the crumbled blue cheese until creamy. Serve with the smoked drumsticks and vegetables.

Smoked Lemon and Herb Chicken Drumsticks

Ingredients:

12 chicken drumsticks
2 TBS dried lemon pepper blend
2 TBS dried oregano
2 TBS dried thyme
1 tsp sea salt
Zest from 1/2 of a lemon
2 cloves of garlic minced
2 TBS extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
Juice of 1/4 a lemon

Total time: 2 hour 10 min – Prep time: 10 min – Smoke time: 2 hour – Serves: 6 people

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the herbs, salt, lemon zest and garlic. Add the EVOO and lemon juice and whisk all the ingredients. Toss the chicken on this mixture and allow to sit while you prepare your smoker.

2. Take a rack or 2 from your smoker for the drums. Add mildly flavored wood chips to the tray of the smoker. Place water in the bowl. Preheat your smoker to a temperature of 225˚F.

3. Place the drumsticks on the smoker racks and place the racks inside the smoker. Smoke the chicken legs for 1 hour and rotate them for even cooking. Add more wood chips and water as needed. Smoke for another 1 hour and check the internal temperature. You are looking for at least 165˚F. Smoke longer if needed to achieve the appropriate temperature.

4. Serve the drumsticks on a platter with some Mediterranean inspired side dishes. I think these will go well with a three bean salad and crostini topped with garlic, olive oil, and a bit of mashed anchovies.