Dairy-Free Smoked Chicken Leg

Perfectly tender and infused with rich, smoky flavor, these Dairy-Free Smoked Chicken Legs are a mouthwatering twist on a classic barbecue favorite. Coated in a robust spice rub of smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar, these chicken legs are slow-cooked to perfection in a smoker, enhanced by the aromatic essence of hickory or applewood chips. A light brush of apple cider vinegar during the cooking process locks in moisture while adding a tangy kick that elevates the flavor profile. With no dairy in sight, this recipe is perfect for those with dietary restrictions and makes an irresistible crowd-pleaser at backyard cookouts or weekday dinners. Pair with fresh salads or grilled vegetables to complete a wholesome, satisfying meal. Keywords: dairy-free smoked chicken, smoked chicken legs recipe, easy smoker recipes, barbecue chicken, dairy-free dinner ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken legs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups wood chips (hickory or applewood)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). If using a gas or charcoal grill, set it up for indirect cooking and preheat to the same temperature.

Step 2

While the smoker is heating, rinse and pat dry the chicken legs with paper towels.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to form a paste.

Step 4

Rub this spice mixture evenly over each chicken leg, ensuring all surfaces are well-coated.

Step 5

In a separate bowl, soak the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain.

Step 6

Once the smoker is at the correct temperature, add the soaked wood chips to the smoker box or directly onto the coals.

Step 7

Place the seasoned chicken legs onto the smoker racks, making sure they are not touching each other.

Step 8

Smoke the chicken, maintaining the temperature of 250°F (120°C), for about 2 hours or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Halfway through the cooking process, brush the chicken legs with apple cider vinegar for added moisture and flavor.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the smoker and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve your dairy-free smoked chicken legs with your choice of sides, such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1187.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1168.4

Total Fat 81.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 453.5mg	0%
Sodium 2785.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 18.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.5g	0%
Total Sugars 9.7g
Protein 86.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 107.8mg	0%
Iron 8.4mg	0%
Potassium 1186.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.8%

Protein: 29.8%

Carbs: 6.4%