Whole30 Smoked Chicken Leg
Elevate your barbecue game with this irresistible Whole30 Smoked Chicken Leg recipe, a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and Whole30-compliant goodness. These tender, juicy chicken legs are generously seasoned with a bold blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme, then marinated in apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. Infused with the sweet, aromatic flavor of applewood smoke, this recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep and delivers restaurant-quality results after a slow, two-hour smoke. Perfect for meal prepping, summer cookouts, or a satisfying dinner, these chicken legs are paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and packed with flavor. Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a mouthwatering feast that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken legs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups applewood chips
Directions
Step 1
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried thyme.
Step 2
Rub the chicken legs with olive oil and then coat evenly with the spice mixture. Ensure that the legs are well covered.
Step 3
Place chicken legs in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Add apple cider vinegar and seal. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 4
Soak applewood chips in a bowl of water for 30 minutes before cooking.
Step 5
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
Step 6
Drain the applewood chips and add them to the smoker’s wood chip tray.
Step 7
Arrange the chicken legs on the smoker's grates, leaving space between each piece for even heat distribution.
Step 8
Smoke the chicken legs for about 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 9
Remove the chicken legs from the smoker and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1391.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3666.5 |
| Total Fat 233.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 44.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 453.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5363.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 263.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 17.6g | |
| Protein 119.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 269.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3647.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories