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How to Make Smokey-Sweet BBQ Traeger Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

These Traeger smoked chicken drumsticks offer the perfect balance of smokey and sweet flavors. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the meat falls off the bone while the exterior develops a mouthwatering caramelized BBQ crust. An easy yet impressive dish for backyard gatherings or family dinners.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

2 hours 15 minutes

Servings

4-5

Difficulty

Intermediate

Simple Summary

Smokey-sweet BBQ chicken drumsticks slow-cooked to perfection on a Traeger smoker, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a deliciously caramelized exterior.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4-5
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds large chicken drumsticks (about 8-10 drumsticks)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Hardwood pellets for smoking

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to create a dry rub.

  2. Pat the chicken drumsticks dry with paper towels, then brush them lightly with olive oil.

  3. Sprinkle the dry rub evenly over the drumsticks, making sure to coat all sides.

  4. Preheat your Traeger smoker to 225°F (107°C) with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

  5. Once preheated, place the seasoned drumsticks directly on the grill grates, spacing them evenly.

  6. Close the lid and smoke the drumsticks for 1.5 hours.

  7. After 1.5 hours, increase the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue cooking for another 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumstick reaches 165°F (74°C).

  8. In the last 15 minutes of cooking, brush the drumsticks generously with BBQ sauce.

  9. Once the drumsticks reach the correct internal temperature, remove them from the smoker.

  10. Let the drumsticks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Chef's Notes

  • For extra smokey flavor, consider using hickory or mesquite hardwood pellets.
  • If you prefer spicier drumsticks, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry rub.
  • To ensure even cooking, try to select drumsticks of similar size.
  • You can make the dry rub in advance and store it in an airtight container for future use.
  • For a crispier skin, pat the drumsticks very dry before applying oil and seasoning.
  • Leftover drumsticks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (2 drumsticks): Approximately 380 calories, 25g protein, 15g carbohydrates, 25g fat. These drumsticks are a good source of protein and contain B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, which are important for energy metabolism.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these smokey-sweet BBQ drumsticks with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans for a complete BBQ feast. For a lighter option, pair with a mixed green salad and roasted vegetables. These drumsticks are perfect for summer cookouts, game day parties, or casual family dinners. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color, and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.