Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
Kid-friendly smoked drumsticks.
Jump to RecipeDrumsticks are perfect BBQ food - they have a built-in handle, are easy to portion, and kids (and adults) love them. The dark meat stays moist and the skin gets beautifully crispy. They're also very budget-friendly.
These are perfect for family dinners, kids' parties, or casual gatherings. Everyone can grab their own and eat with their hands. They're fun, easy, and always a hit.
Keep sides kid-friendly if that's your crowd - mac and cheese, corn, coleslaw. For adults, any BBQ sides work great. Set out various sauces for dipping - plain BBQ, honey mustard, ranch.
The basic preparation here is a starting point. Try different sauce flavors - teriyaki, honey garlic, spicy Korean. Drumsticks work well with sweet glazes because the dark meat balances the sweetness.
Dark meat should hit 175°F. Drumsticks are forgiving so don't stress too much. For crispy skin, make sure they're dry before seasoning and consider finishing at higher heat. The glaze goes on at the end.
Ingredients
Instructions
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1
Pat the drumsticks completely dry. Season generously with Plowboys Yardbird Rub.
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2
Set your smoker to 275°F with cherry wood chunks for a mild smoke.
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3
Arrange the drumsticks on the smoker grate standing upright if possible, or laying flat with space between each one.
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4
Smoke for about 1.5 hours until the skin is set and has good color.
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5
Brush with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce using a silicone basting brush and cook for 15 more minutes to let the sauce tack up.
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6
The drumsticks are done when the internal temperature reaches 175°F. Check with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part without touching bone.