If you've been wanting to try your pellet grill but feel a little intimidated, this recipe is the perfect place to start.
These Smoked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are one of the easiest things you'll ever make on a smoker. There are no complicated techniques, expensive cuts of meat, or hours of babysitting the grill. Just season the chicken, let your pellet grill do the work, brush on a little barbecue sauce, and dinner is served.
The best part? I found a package of 12 drumsticks for less than $5, making this one of my favorite budget-friendly dinners when I need to feed my family without spending a fortune.
If you've been thinking, "I'm not really a grill person," I'm here to tell you that you absolutely can be.
Pellet Grills Are Easier Than You Think
I'll let you in on a little secret.
Before I bought my Traeger, I thought smoking meat was something only serious backyard pitmasters knew how to do. I pictured people waking up at 4:00 a.m., tending fires all day, and somehow magically knowing exactly when dinner would be ready.
A pellet grill couldn't be more different.
You simply fill the hopper with pellets, set your cooking temperature, and let the grill do the rest. It keeps the temperature steady while adding that incredible wood-fired flavor everyone loves.
Honestly, if you can use an oven, you can use a pellet grill.
So if yours has been sitting in the garage because you're nervous to try it, consider this your sign. Grab a pack of chicken drumsticks and let's get cooking.
Why You'll Love These Smoked Chicken Drumsticks
- Budget-friendly and perfect for feeding a family
- Just four simple ingredients
- Beginner-friendly smoker recipe
- Sweet, smoky barbecue flavor
- Great for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts
- Leftovers reheat beautifully
Ingredients You'll Need
You only need four simple ingredients:
- Chicken drumsticks
- Olive oil
- Your favorite BBQ seasoning (I love Honey Hog by Meat Church.)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (Stubb's is always a favorite around here.)
That's it.
The seasoning builds a flavorful crust while the barbecue sauce caramelizes into a sticky glaze during the final part of the cook.
How to Make Smoked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Start by preheating your pellet grill to 225°F.
Pat the drumsticks dry, drizzle them with olive oil, and coat them generously with your favorite barbecue seasoning. Don't be shy here. Make sure every drumstick is well coated.
Place the chicken directly on the smoker grates and cook for about an hour, flipping halfway through the cook.
During the last 20 to 30 minutes, brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce several times. This builds those delicious sticky layers without burning the sauce.
Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175 to 185°F. While chicken is technically safe at 165°F, drumsticks become much more tender when cooked a little longer.
Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Yes! You Can Make These in the Oven Too
Don't have a pellet grill? No problem.
You can absolutely make these BBQ chicken drumsticks in your oven using the exact same method.
Season the chicken just as directed, place it in a baking dish, and cover tightly with foil. Bake at 325°F until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175 to 185°F. During the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking, uncover the pan and brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce, allowing it to caramelize before serving.
You'll miss a little of the smoky flavor, but they'll still be juicy, tender, and absolutely delicious.
Tips for the Best Chicken Drumsticks
- Always cook to temperature instead of relying on time.
- Flip the drumsticks halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Wait until the end of the cook to begin brushing on the barbecue sauce so it doesn't burn.
- Let the chicken rest for five minutes before serving.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
These drumsticks pair perfectly with just about every backyard barbecue side.
Some of my favorites include:
- Macaroni Salad
- Potato Salad
- Baked Beans
- Coleslaw
- Grilled Corn on the Cob
- Watermelon
Storage
Store leftover chicken drumsticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm them in a 325°F oven until heated through or pop them into the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp the skin back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs work beautifully using this same method. Just cook until they reach 175 to 185°F.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. These are great for meal prep and reheat well throughout the week.
What pellets should I use?
Hickory, apple, pecan, or competition blend pellets all pair wonderfully with barbecue chicken.
Do I need a Traeger?
Not at all. Any pellet grill or smoker will work for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
One of my favorite things about cooking is finding simple recipes that make people feel confident in the kitchen.
If you've been nervous about using your pellet grill, I hope this recipe gives you the confidence to fire it up. It really is one of the easiest outdoor cooking tools you'll ever own, and these smoked BBQ chicken drumsticks are the perfect place to start.
Simple ingredients, a tiny grocery bill, and a backyard dinner everyone will ask for again? That's a win in my book.
Easy Smoked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Equipment
- Smoker or Pellet Grill
- Instant Read Thermometer
- Basting Brush
- Grill Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 package chicken drumsticks (about 12 drumsticks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoon BBQ seasoning (I use Honey Hog by Meat Church)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (I prefer Stubbs, but you can your whatever you like)
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Wash your drumsticks, then pat the chicken drumsticks dry and place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and toss until lightly coated.
- Season generously with your favorite BBQ seasoning, rubbing it into all sides of each drumstick.
- Arrange the drumsticks directly on the smoker grates.
- Smoke for about 1- 1.5 hours, flipping the drumsticks halfway through cooking.
- During the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, baste the drumsticks several times with the BBQ sauce.
- Continue cooking until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 175–185°F for the juiciest, most tender meat.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Every smoker cooks a little differently, so always cook to temperature instead of time.
- Any BBQ seasoning and BBQ sauce work great in this recipe.
- For extra sticky BBQ chicken, brush on one final layer of sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- These can absolutely be done in the oven, as well.
Key Takeaways
- Smoked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks are budget-friendly and easy to make, perfect for beginners.
- Using a pellet grill simplifies cooking by maintaining steady temperatures and enhancing flavor.
- You can make these drumsticks in the oven with the same method for a delicious alternative.
- Serve them with classic sides like macaroni salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat them easily.
