How To Smoke Chicken Drumsticks On A Pellet Smoker

Smoking Chicken Drumsticks on a Pellet Smoker

Smoking chicken drumsticks on a pellet smoker is a delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a hint of smokiness. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice griller, smoking chicken drumsticks is a great way to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve juicy, flavorful smoked chicken drumsticks on a pellet smoker.

Preparing the Chicken Drumsticks

Before you start smoking, it’s important to prepare the chicken drumsticks. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken drumsticks
• Olive oil
• Your favorite chicken rub or seasoning

First, pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and creates a crispy exterior during smoking. Next, lightly coat the drumsticks with olive oil to help the seasoning stick. Then, generously season the drumsticks with your favorite chicken rub or seasoning. Make sure to coat the drumsticks evenly for a flavorful result.

Setting Up the Pellet Smoker

Now that the chicken drumsticks are seasoned and ready to go, it’s time to prepare the pellet smoker. Follow these steps to set up your pellet smoker for smoking chicken drumsticks:

1. Fill the pellet hopper with your choice of wood pellets. Fruit woods like apple or cherry are popular choices for smoking chicken due to their mild, sweet flavor.
2. Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow cooking temperature allows the chicken drumsticks to absorb the smoky flavor while remaining juicy and tender.
3. Place a drip pan filled with water or your favorite liquid (such as apple juice or beer) on the smoker’s lower rack. This helps maintain moisture in the smoker and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Smoking the Chicken Drumsticks

Once the pellet smoker is preheated and ready to go, it’s time to smoke the chicken drumsticks. Follow these steps for a successful smoking process:

1. Place the seasoned chicken drumsticks directly on the smoker grates, ensuring they are evenly spaced for proper air circulation.
2. Close the smoker lid and let the drumsticks smoke for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature.
3. During the smoking process, resist the temptation to open the smoker lid frequently, as this can cause temperature fluctuations and extend the cooking time.

Finishing Touches

Once the chicken drumsticks have reached the desired internal temperature and are beautifully smoked, it’s time for the finishing touches:

• Remove the smoked drumsticks from the pellet smoker and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Serve the smoked chicken drumsticks with your favorite barbecue sauce or dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Enjoy the tender, flavorful smoked chicken drumsticks with your friends and family!

Smoking chicken drumsticks on a pellet smoker is a rewarding experience that yields delicious results. With the right preparation and attention to detail, you can elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with mouthwatering smoked chicken drumsticks. So fire up your pellet smoker, grab some chicken drumsticks, and get ready to enjoy a smoky, savory feast!