Smoked Chicken Leg

Fire up the smoker and prepare to savor the rich, smoky flavors of these tender and juicy Smoked Chicken Legs! This recipe combines a tantalizing marinade of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of brown sugar for a perfect balance of sweet and savory, while hickory or apple wood chips infuse the chicken with deep, aromatic smokiness. With a slow-cooking time of 2 to 2.5 hours at 250°F (120°C), these chicken legs are irresistibly succulent and packed with flavor in every bite. A finishing brush of apple cider vinegar enhances the smokiness and adds a subtle tang, making this dish a backyard barbecue star. Pair these smoky delights with your favorite sides for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s worth the wait! Perfect for grilling enthusiasts or anyone craving smoked perfection.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:165 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 salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups wood chips (hickory or apple)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). Prepare the wood chips by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar to create a marinade.

Step 3

Rub the marinade all over the chicken legs, making sure they are evenly coated.

Step 4

Allow the chicken legs to marinate at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5

Place the soaked wood chips in the smoker box or directly onto the charcoal if you're using a charcoal smoker.

Step 6

Arrange the chicken legs in the smoker, skin side up, ensuring they are not touching to allow even smoke circulation.

Step 7

Smoke the chicken legs at 250°F (120°C) for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 8

During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the chicken legs with apple cider vinegar to enhance the smoky flavor.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the chicken legs from the smoker and let them rest for about 10 minutes to let juices redistribute before serving.

Step 10

Serve the smoked chicken legs hot with your favorite side dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1195.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1193.9

Total Fat 81.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 453.5mg	0%
Sodium 2818.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 26.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.3g	0%
Total Sugars 18.4g
Protein 85.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 93.8mg	0%
Iron 6.9mg	0%
Potassium 1157.0mg	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: 62.0%

Protein: 29.0%

Carbs: 9.0%