Smoked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe

Smokey and tender chicken drumsticks are your next game-day appetizer. Baste your favorite BBQ sauce on top and you'll love each bite.

📝 Ingredients

• 3 lb chicken drumsticks
• 6 tbsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand preferred )
• 2 c water
• 3 tbsp dark brown sugar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 6 garlic cloves (smashed )
• 1 lemon (cut into wedges )
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs fresh oregano
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 3 c cold water
• neutral oil
• BBQ sauce (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- Brine & dry rub ---
2. 2In a pot, combine the 6 tbsp kosher salt, 2 c water , 3 tbsp dark brown sugar , 3 tbsp soy sauce, 6 garlic cloves, 1 lemon, 3 sprigs fresh thyme, 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary , 4 sprigs fresh oregano , 1 dried bay leaf, and 1 tsp black peppercorns.
3. 3Bring to a boil over high heat and let simmer for one minute. Stir occasionally so that all the sugar dissolves.
4. 4Bring the pot off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.
5. 5Transfer the brine into a large mixing bowl and add the 3 c cold water . Cool the brine on the counter (or pop it in the fridge) until it’s cool to the touch.
6. 6Gently add the 3 lb chicken drumsticks in the brine and make sure all the chicken is covered.
7. 7Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Brine in the refrigerator for at least four hours or preferably overnight, but not more than 12 hours.
8. 8After brining, transfer the drumsticks on a wire rack-lined sheet pan on the counter and let them come to room temperature.
9. 9--- Smoking ---
10. 10Preheat the smoker to 275°F.
11. 11Dry the drumsticks with paper towels and lightly coat with neutral oil.
12. 12Smoke until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 °F. Turn the drumsticks occasionally to prevent burning.
13. 13Raise smoker temperature to 350°F.
14. 14Baste on BBQ sauce if desired and continue to cook until drumsticks reach 175°F internally.
15. 15Transfer the drumsticks onto a sheet pan. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes and then serve.