Hey everyone, Craig here from With the Bickhams! Today, I’m bringing you a recipe that’s not only incredibly delicious but also easy on the wallet – Smoked Chicken Drumsticks. With the price of chicken wings skyrocketing, it’s time to give the humble drumstick the attention it deserves. At just 98 cents a pound, chicken legs are a steal, and when cooked right, they’re just as tasty, if not more so, than their winged counterparts. So, let’s dive into this simple and straightforward recipe that will have you enjoying juicy, flavorful drumsticks in no time!
Why Drumsticks Deserve More Love
Let’s face it – chicken wings have had their time in the spotlight. They’re the star of the show at every game day party, the go-to choice for appetizers, and they’ve inspired countless flavors and sauces. But with all this attention comes a hefty price tag, especially in recent times. The cost of wings has gone through the roof, leaving many of us looking for a more affordable alternative. Enter the chicken drumstick.
Drumsticks often get overshadowed by wings, but they’re every bit as versatile and delicious. They have more meat on the bone, making them more satisfying, and when smoked, they turn out incredibly juicy with a crispy, flavorful skin. Plus, they’re much more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them a bit – they won’t dry out as easily as wings can. And let’s not forget the price – at just 98 cents a pound, you can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Drumsticks:
- 1 large pack of chicken drumsticks
- Olive oil (for a binder)
- Your favorite seasoning (I used my own mix, along with Kinder’s Woodfire Garlic seasoning)
- BBQ glaze or sauce of choice (optional – I used my homemade Brown Sugar, Honey, Bourbon glaze)
Step 1: Preparing the Drumsticks
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have these drumsticks on the grill and cooking in no time.
- Wash and Dry the Drumsticks:
- Start by washing the chicken drumsticks thoroughly and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important because it helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispier skin.
- Apply the Binder:
- Once the drumsticks are dry, spray them with a light coat of olive oil. This acts as a binder, helping the seasoning adhere to the meat and locking in moisture during the cooking process.
- Season Generously:
- Season the drumsticks generously on all sides with your favorite seasoning mix. I like to use my own blend, but for this recipe, I also added a layer of Kinder’s Woodfire Garlic seasoning, which you can find in our Amazon Storefront. This seasoning adds a fantastic smoky garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Step 2: Prepping and Smoking on the Z Grill
Now that the drumsticks are seasoned and ready to go, it’s time to fire up the Z Grill. Smoking chicken drumsticks is all about low and slow cooking, which allows the meat to absorb the smoky flavor while staying juicy and tender.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your Z Grill to 275 degrees F. This temperature is ideal for smoking drumsticks because it allows the fat to render slowly, creating that crispy skin we all love while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Place the Drumsticks on the Grill:
- Once the grill is up to temperature, place the drumsticks on the grill grate. Make sure to spread them apart and separate them evenly so that the smoke can circulate around each one. It’s important that they don’t touch each other to ensure even cooking.
- Smoke the Drumsticks:
- Smoke the drumsticks for 40 to 45 minutes. After this initial smoking time, it’s time to check the internal temperature. Using a digital meat thermometer, like the ThermoPro (which you can find in our Amazon Storefront), start checking the internal temp of the drumsticks. You’re looking for a temperature of 170 to 175 degrees F.
- Flip and Continue Cooking:
- Once the drumsticks reach 170 degrees F, flip each one over and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F. This should take about another 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your grill and the size of the drumsticks.
Step 3: Glazing the Drumsticks (Optional)
While the drumsticks are delicious on their own, adding a glaze takes them to the next level. For this recipe, I used my homemade Brown Sugar, Honey, Bourbon glaze, but you can use any BBQ sauce or glaze you like. The sweetness of the glaze complements the smoky flavor of the drumsticks perfectly.
- Apply the Glaze:
- Once the drumsticks have reached an internal temperature of 175 degrees F, it’s time to apply the glaze. Brush each drumstick generously with the glaze, making sure to coat all sides.
- Finish Smoking:
- After applying the glaze, let the drumsticks smoke for another 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the glaze to set and become sticky, creating a delicious caramelized coating on the drumsticks.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Once the drumsticks are glazed and the glaze has set, it’s time to remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Serve the drumsticks with your favorite sides, and enjoy some of the best-smoked chicken you’ve ever had. These drumsticks are perfect for a family dinner, a BBQ with friends, or even meal prepping for the week. They’re versatile, delicious, and, most importantly, budget-friendly.
The Story of the Drumstick
Chicken drumsticks have always been a bit of an underdog in the world of poultry. While wings and thighs often steal the spotlight, drumsticks quietly deliver incredible flavor and versatility. They’re a staple in many households, particularly for those who appreciate good food on a budget.
Drumsticks are especially popular for grilling and smoking because they’re easy to cook and nearly impossible to mess up. The higher fat content compared to wings helps keep the meat moist, even if you cook them a little longer than intended. Plus, they’re perfect for holding onto and eating with your hands – a true BBQ classic.
In recent years, with the rising cost of wings, more and more people have been turning to drumsticks as a delicious and affordable alternative. And honestly, they deserve more love. Whether you’re smoking them, frying them, or baking them, drumsticks deliver on flavor and satisfaction every time.
Final Thoughts
Smoked chicken drumsticks are a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful, juicy, and budget-friendly meal. With the price of wings on the rise, drumsticks are the perfect alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. They’re easy to prepare, quick to cook, and when done right, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
So next time you’re at the store and see those drumsticks on sale, grab a pack (or two) and give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you for joining me in making these delicious smoked chicken drumsticks. I hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. If you try this recipe or have any questions, please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to check out our With the Bickhams Cookbook Volume 1 for more delicious recipes and our Amazon storefront for all your cooking essentials.
Happy grilling, and I’ll see you next time!
Watch the YouTube video tutorial below!
Affiliate Disclaimer and Legal Disclaimer
Affiliate Disclaimer: There are affiliate links on this page. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you.
Legal Disclaimer: I cannot guarantee any results. All the people on this page who use this product may have results that vary. No guarantees of wealth, fame, or success. But hey, at least you tried.
By following these simple steps, you’ll create delicious smoked drumsticks that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Be sure to watch our YouTube video for a visual guide to making these amazing drumsticks. Enjoy, and happy cooking!