Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

Rich, smoky flavor infuses these mouth-watering chicken drumsticks, perfectly balanced with sweet and spicy notes.

A unique blend of smoked paprika, brown sugar, and garlic powder creates an addictive flavor profile that will leave you craving more of these tender, juicy drumsticks.

Ready Time

2 hrs

Yields

7 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken drumsticks, skin removed
1/2 cup smoked paprika
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons smoked salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and spray with cooking spray.

Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, brown sugar, smoked salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Add the chicken drumsticks to the bowl, tossing to coat evenly with the spice mixture.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and water.

Pour the marinade over the chicken drumsticks, making sure they’re fully coated.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Arrange the drumsticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each drumstick.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

While the chicken is baking, mix parsley and cilantro (if using) in a small bowl.

Once the drumsticks are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with the parsley-cilantro mixture.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating with the spice mixture to help the spices adhere evenly.

If using cilantro, feel free to add more or less to taste.

You can also customize the spice mixture to your liking – add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or a sprinkle of dried oregano for an herby flavor.

For a crisper skin, broil the drumsticks for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.

Be gentle when arranging the drumsticks on the baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.

If you’re short on time, you can reduce the marinating time to 30 minutes, but keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn’t overcook.