Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to infuse your chicken with smoky flavor while achieving the perfect sticky BBQ glaze? Smoked chicken drumsticks with BBQ glaze are a game-changer in the world of grilling and can elevate your backyard barbecue experience! This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. In this post, we’ll dive deep into crafting the ultimate smoked chicken drumsticks BBQ glaze that will leave your guests wanting seconds.

Ingredients List

For the smoked chicken drumsticks with BBQ glaze, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 10 chicken drumsticks (substitutions: chicken thighs or wings)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (substitutions: avocado oil, coconut oil)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (substitutions: homemade or sugar-free varieties)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for additional tanginess)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

The rich coating of BBQ glaze will create an irresistible shine while the smokiness from the cooking process enhances the overall flavor profile. Let’s get ready to dive into a flavor-packed experience!

Timing

The preparation and cooking time for smoked chicken drumsticks BBQ glaze is as follows:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Smoking time: 90 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Remarkably, this is about 20% less time than the average smoking process for chicken. With some simple steps, you can achieve tender, flavorful drumsticks without the lengthy wait!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by rinsing your chicken drumsticks under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps ensure the seasoning adheres better to the chicken, maximizing flavor.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture generously over each drumstick, ensuring they’re thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Let Them Marinate

For optimal flavor, let the seasoned drumsticks marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Set Up the Smoker

Preheat your smoker to 250°F (about 121°C). Use wood chips like apple or hickory for an added layer of flavor. Ensure your smoker is filled with water for the best results, as this will keep the chicken juicy while cooking.

Step 5: Smoke the Chicken

Place the drumsticks on the smoker grates, ensuring they’re spread out for even cooking. Smoke the chicken for about 90 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (about 74°C).

Step 6: Prepare the BBQ Glaze

While the chicken is smoking, mix the BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan and warm it over low heat. This will enhance the flavors and create a luscious glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 7: Apply the BBQ Glaze

During the last 15 minutes of smoking, use a brush to apply the BBQ glaze liberally to each drumstick. Allow the glaze to caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful coating.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, remove the drumsticks from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the explosion of flavors as you take that first bite!

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional breakdown of your food can help maintain a balanced diet. Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional information per serving (based on one drumstick):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg

This chicken dish is rich in protein, providing a great source for muscle recovery while low in carbohydrates, making it an ideal choice for those on a low-carb diet.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to adapt this recipe for specific dietary needs or to boost its health benefits, consider the following alternatives:

• Use skinless chicken drumsticks for a leaner option, reducing fat content significantly.
• Replace the BBQ sauce with a homemade low-sugar variant to cut down on added sugars without sacrificing flavor.
• Opt for a gluten-free BBQ sauce if you’re sensitive to gluten.
• Introduce additional herbs such as rosemary or thyme for enhanced flavor without added calories.

Serving Suggestions

For the ultimate dining experience, serve your smoked chicken drumsticks with a variety of sides to please any crowd. Here are some creative serving suggestions:

• Pair with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
• Serve alongside corn on the cob, drizzled with lime butter for a refreshing flavor twist.
• Offer a selection of dips like ranch or blue cheese to complement the smoky flavor of the chicken.
• For a full meal, consider serving over a bed of rice or quinoa, drizzled with the remaining BBQ glaze.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your smoked chicken drumsticks turn out perfectly:

• Skipping the marinating step: Don’t rush this step! Marinating truly enhances the flavor.
• Not preheating the smoker: This can lead to uneven cooking—always allow your smoker to reach the desired temperature before placing the chicken inside.
• Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Overcooked chicken will lose its juiciness.
• Using too much BBQ sauce too early: Apply the glaze during the last 15 minutes to prevent burning.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have leftovers (if they last that long!), follow these tips to keep your smoked chicken drumsticks tasting fresh:

• Allow the drumsticks to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap if freezing.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (about 175°C) for about 20-25 minutes to regain their juicy texture.

Conclusion

In summary, smoked chicken drumsticks with BBQ glaze are a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any barbecue gathering. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, and share your feedback in the comments. Also, subscribe for more updates and delightful recipes to elevate your cooking game!

FAQs

A: Can I use a gas or electric smoker for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use either a gas or electric smoker. Just ensure you adjust the temperature settings to maintain a consistent 250°F during the cooking process.

B: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to determine doneness accurately.

C: What can I serve as a side dish with smoked chicken drumsticks?

Consider pairing them with coleslaw, baked beans, mac & cheese, or a fresh garden salad. These sides complement the flavors beautifully!

D: Can I make this recipe on a charcoal grill instead?

Yes! You can achieve similar results by setting up a two-zone fire on your charcoal grill, allowing for indirect cooking. Just monitor the temperature carefully.

E: Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of this recipe?

For a vegetarian alternative, try using smoked eggplant or tofu marinated in the same BBQ glaze. They can provide a delicious smoky flavor even without meat!

Ultimate Smoked Chicken Drumsticks BBQ Glaze Recipe Delight

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• Author: jamal
• Total Time: 105 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the perfect smoked chicken drumsticks with a mouthwatering BBQ glaze. Elevate your grilling game with this delicious recipe today! (154 chars)

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

10 chicken drumsticks

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup BBQ sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Start by rinsing your chicken drumsticks under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Rub this mixture generously over each drumstick.

Let the seasoned drumsticks marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight.

Preheat your smoker to 250°F (about 121°C). Use wood chips like apple or hickory.

Place the drumsticks on the smoker grates, ensuring they’re spread out for even cooking. Smoke the chicken for about 90 minutes.

While the chicken is smoking, mix the BBQ sauce with apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan and warm it over low heat.

During the last 15 minutes of smoking, use a brush to apply the BBQ glaze liberally to each drumstick.

Once done, remove the drumsticks from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Notes

Smoked chicken drumsticks with BBQ glaze are a game-changer in the world of grilling. This dish offers a healthy alternative to fried chicken and is packed with flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10 servings
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 20g