If you love the smell of smoky, succulent chicken wafting through your kitchen, then you will love learning How Long To Smoke Chicken Legs at 225! Smoking chicken legs is a great way to bring out their flavor and create an unforgettable meal. Whether it’s for a summertime barbecue or a cozy winter dinner with family and friends, smoking chicken legs is sure to be a crowd-pleaser; plus when you smoke them at a low temperature like 225°F(105°C), they come out tender and juicy every time.
So what exactly is the optimal amount of time to smoke those delicious drumsticks? Read on to find out all the details including marinade recommendations, cook times, and what type of wood chips can best impart that wonderful smoky aroma- all necessary factors in getting mouthwatering results from your smoker!
What Are Smoked Chicken Legs?
Smoked chicken legs are an easy-to-make, delicious dinner option that is packed with flavor. Smoked chicken legs can be prepared in a variety of different ways and are perfect for any occasion. The process of smoking chicken legs takes time and patience, but the end result will be worth it! Smoked chicken legs have a unique and savory flavor that will leave your guests wanting more.
Smoked chicken legs require low and slow cooking at a moderate temperature of 225°F, making it the ideal recipe for any smoker or charcoal grill. To ensure that the chicken legs cook evenly and are cooked through all the way to the bone, they should be smoked for 1-2 hours. During this time, the temperature should remain consistent to ensure that the chicken legs are cooked properly and don’t dry out.
Prepping the Chicken Legs
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Before you can start smoking your chicken legs, they will need to be prepped. This includes rinsing the chicken legs in cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Once the chicken legs are dry, you will want to season them with your favorite spices or rubs. This is an important step that will add flavor and texture to the chicken legs, so be sure not to skip this step.
BBQ Sauce Choices
Trying to decide which BBQ sauce is the best for your succulent smoked chicken legs? You can choose from sweet, spicy, or tangy…or create a special concoction of your own! It’s an art form of deciding on just the right flavors that’ll tantalize your taste buds. But don’t be afraid – you have total freedom when it comes to seasoning those delicious drumsticks!
Smoked Chicken Legs Seasoning Option
When it comes to seasoning smoked chicken legs, there are countless options that you can choose from. You can use your favorite dry rubs or even some sauces and marinades for added flavor. Some of the most popular seasonings for smoked chicken legs include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Experiment with different flavors to find the right combination that will tantalize your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds chicken legs
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
The Best Smoked Chicken Legs Recipe
Once you have your chicken prepped, seasoned, and ready to go you can begin the smoking process. Start by heating your smoker or charcoal grill to 225°F and adding some wood chips for extra flavor. Place the chicken legs on the grate of the smoker/grill and cook for 1-2 hours until they are cooked through. Every 30 minutes or so, brush the chicken legs with your favorite BBQ sauce. This will lock in flavor and give the chicken a nice caramelized exterior.
Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s time to dig in! Serve up these smoked chicken legs with your favorite side dishes for an easy and delicious meal.
Nutrition Information:
Serving size: 1 chicken leg (3 ounces)
Calories: 318.94kcal
Carbohydrates: 2.65g
Protein: 21.52g
Fat: 24.4g
Saturated Fat: 6.25g
Cholesterol: 120.22mg
Sodium: 109.66mg
Potassium: 287.71mg
Fiber: 0.42g
Sugar: 0.12g
Vitamin A: 216.23IU
Vitamin C: 0.7mg
Calcium: 48.45mg
Iron: 2.2mg
Enjoy! Smoked chicken legs are an easy and tasty meal that will be sure to delight your family or friends. And with the right seasonings and sauces, you can create a unique flavor combination every time. So get your smoker or charcoal grill fired up and start experimenting with this delicious recipe today!
What to Serve with Smoked Chicken Legs
Smoked chicken legs can be served with almost anything you have on hand. Consider serving them up with some classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and cornbread. Or give your smoked chicken a Mexican flair by pairing it with beans, rice, and salsa. You could also serve the chicken legs as part of a sandwich or wrap for a quick and tasty meal. No matter what you serve your smoked chicken legs with, it’s sure to be a hit!
What’s The Best Wood For Smoking Chicken Legs?
Kick your chicken leg game up a notch! Hickory is the standard, but you can take it to new heights by adding fruity flairs with cherry or apple wood. Mix & match until you uncover the coveted perfect flavor combination – then sit back and savor smokin’ success!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Legs
Don’t let your cooked chicken go to waste – make sure it gets a proper send-off! Let the bird chill out in an air-tight container for up to four days, then wave bye-bye as you heat them up on a microwave plate. In no time, that scrumptious leftover poultry will be ready for round two of deliciously hot meals… Bon Appétit!
When it comes to smoking chicken legs, the possibilities are truly endless. With no two batches ever tasting the same, how long to smoke chicken legs at 225°F becomes a matter of experimentation and fun.
Tips about how long to smoke chicken legs at 225
> How long to smoke chicken legs depends on the size of your pieces and the heat of your smoker. Start with 1-2 hours at 225°F, then increase or decrease cooking time as needed.
> Make sure you use wood chips for extra flavor and smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a smoky-spicy seasoning.
> Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce every 30 minutes to lock in flavor and give it a nice caramelized exterior.
> Let cooked chicken cool before transferring it to an air-tight container for storage in the refrigerator. Reheat leftovers on a microwave plate.
> Serve smoked chicken legs with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or cornbread. Or give it a Mexican flair and pair it with beans, rice, and salsa!
So there you have it – the How Long To Smoke Chicken Legs at 225 guides. Now get out of your smoker and start getting creative with your chicken legs! We hope that this article gave you all the information you needed to make some delicious smoky drumsticks. Happy smoking!
Frequently Asked Questions: how long to smoke chicken legs
How long does it take to smoke chicken legs at 225?
The time it takes to smoke chicken legs at 225 degrees Fahrenheit can vary depending on the size of the leg and other factors, such as the type of wood used for smoking. Generally, it takes 20-30 minutes per pound of chicken legs. As a rule of thumb, plan on 1 hour and 10 minutes for a 3-pound batch of chicken legs. However, to ensure that the chicken is cooked all the way through, you should check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when using a meat thermometer.
How long to smoke chicken legs at 250?
At 250 degrees Fahrenheit, the time it takes to smoke chicken legs will be shorter than at 225. Generally, plan on 20-25 minutes per pound at this temperature. Again, you should check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when using a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked all the way through.
What kind of wood should I use to smoke chicken legs?
When smoking chicken legs, you can use a variety of woods. Popular choices include apple wood, cherry wood, and hickory. Each type of wood will impart its own unique flavor to the meal. Experiment with different types to find the flavor combination that you like best!
What is the best temperature to smoke chicken legs?
Ready to make some delicious smoky chicken legs? The key is keeping it low and slow – the sweet spot for smoking your birdy bangers is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. That way, you’ll get that scrumptious flavor without igniting them! Just maintain a steady temperature of about 225 throughout cooking time for maximum tenderness and juiciness. YUMMMM!
How long does it take to smoke chicken legs?
Chicken drumsticks take about the same amount of time to smoke as chicken legs – 20-30 minutes per pound. You should check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when using a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken legs are cooked all the way through.
What is the best way to keep my smoked chicken legs moist?
The best way to keep your smoked chicken legs moist is by using a marinade or rub before smoking. This will help infuse the meat with flavor and moisture throughout the cooking process. Additionally, you can brush melted butter onto the skin of the drumsticks during cooking for added flavor and juiciness.
Is it better to smoke a chicken at 225 or 250?
It is generally recommended to smoke a chicken at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum flavor and tenderness. This low-and-slow method will ensure that your chicken legs are cooked evenly all the way through, without burning them. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can bump up the temperature to 250 and reduce cooking time – just make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when using a meat thermometer.
How do you tell if smoked drumsticks are done?
The best way to tell if your drumsticks are done is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for it to be considered cooked all the way through. Additionally, you can check for doneness visually – when your drumsticks are done, they will have an even, golden-brown color throughout.
Can you smoke chicken legs at 300?
If you’re looking to cook up some seriously succulent chicken, forget about cranking the oven all the way – low and slow is sweeter. Keep that temperature steady at 225 degrees Fahrenheit and your legs will be finger-lickin’ good!
How long to smoke chicken legs at 325?
At 325 degrees Fahrenheit, your chicken legs will cook much faster than at 225. You should plan on about 15 minutes per pound of chicken legs. As always, ensure that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit when using a meat thermometer to guarantee that they are cooked thoroughly all the way through.
What other temperatures can you smoke chicken legs?
If you want to try something a bit different than the traditional 225 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also smoke chicken legs at 275 or 300 degrees Fahrenheit. However, keep in mind that these higher temperatures will cook your chicken faster than 225 – plan on about 10-15 minutes per pound of chicken legs. Additionally, don’t forget to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when using a meat thermometer for maximum safety. Happy smoking!
Is it better to smoke chicken fast or slow?
If you’re in the mood for finger-lickin’ delicious chicken, then slow and low is definitely the way to go! Smoking your bird at a cool 225 degrees Fahrenheit will guarantee an even cook that’ll leave it moist and flavourful. Get ready to savor some seriously succulent poultry goodness – yum!
Do you flip chicken when smoking?
It’s not necessary to flip your chicken when smoking. In fact, doing so can actually cause flare ups and uneven cooking. Instead, focus on maintaining an even temperature and trust that your low-and-slow method will bring you the best results!
How do you smoke fall-off-the-bone chicken?
Fall-off-the-bone chicken is definitely achievable – just follow the How Long To Smoke Chicken Legs at 225 guide! By keeping your temperature steady and low, you’ll ensure that your bird is cooked evenly all the way through. Additionally, make sure to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when using a meat thermometer for maximum safety. Get ready to savor some seriously succulent poultry goodness!
Can you smoke a chicken in 2 hours?
Smoking a chicken in 2 hours is definitely doable – just bump up the temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce your cooking time. However, you should use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit for maximum safety. Additionally, keep an eye out for any flare-ups while cooking – they can cause uneven browning and risk burning that delicious bird!
Conclusions:
What’s a couple of hours when you’re talking about the most delicious smoked chicken legs? That tasty creation is worth waiting for, so slow and steady wins this race. Make sure to baste those juicy drumsticks every hour or so -trust us- it makes all the difference! But once they’ve reached that perfect smoky flavor…it’ll be time to dig in and enjoy your work of art. Bon appetit!


Robert Davison is a Grill Chef with over 25 years of experience in the food industry. He has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton, The Dorchester Collection, and The Langham. His skills as a chef are only matched by his passion for grill/smoking, which he brings to alibis bar and grill. Robert’s mission is to serve up delicious food that everyone can enjoy, whether they’re a foodie or not. Alibis Bar & Grill is the perfect place to relax and enjoy great food with friends and family.