Smoked Chicken Legs on a Pellet Grill
Crispy, smoked chicken legs are perfect as a party appetizer or main. This easy pellet grill recipe delivers juicy meat, golden skin, and smoky flavor in under 90 minutes.
Cooking for 8 people
Ingredients
- 1 flat
chicken drumsticks (8–10)
- 1/4 cup
poultry seasoning or BBQ chicken rub
- 1 cup
optional: your favorite BBQ sauce
1Food Prep
Evenly season the chicken legs with your favorite poultry seasoning.
2Grill Prep
Fuel: We recommend Kingsford™ Hardwood Pellets
Temp: 225°F (Low Heat)
3The Cook
Place the thermometer probe into the thickest part of your chicken without touching the bone, and position it at the center of your pellet grill or on an elevated shelf.
Smoke your chicken legs at 225°F for 1 hour. Then, increase the heat on your pellet grill to 325°F and cook your chicken legs to an internal temperature of 170°F.
Continue cooking your chicken legs until the skin has crisped to your desired doneness. If you plan on saucing your chicken legs, do so now by painting sauce on with a basting brush, and allowing them to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
When ready, remove your chicken legs from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
For safe meat preparation, reference the USDA website.
FAQs
Smoke at 225°F for 1 hour, then increase heat to 325°F and cook until the internal temperature reaches 170°F for crispy, juicy results.
Finish at higher heat (325°F) after smoking low and slow. This step renders fat and crisps the skin beautifully.
Apply sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid burning and achieve a glossy, caramelized finish.
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