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–+ servings
Smoked Chicken Legs

Savory Smoked Chicken Legs for Perfect Family BBQs

These Easy Gluten-Free Smoked Chicken Legs are an irresistible crowd-pleaser for summer BBQs, with smoky flavors and a crispy exterior.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 legs
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: BBQ
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Legs Use skin-on for maximum flavor and tender, juicy meat.
For the Dry Rub
  • 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil Can substitute with Olive Oil.
  • 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika can be used for less intensity.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Garlic powder can be an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic works too.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Sea salt can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Italian seasoning can be a great alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper White pepper is a milder option.
  • 1 teaspoon Celery Seed Optional for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Coriander can be used but will change the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder Dijon mustard can be substituted.

Equipment

  • Smoker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the smoker to 225°F and ensure the grates are clean and oiled.
  2. Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning adhere.
  3. In a bowl, mix smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, oregano, black pepper, celery seed, cumin, and mustard powder until evenly blended.
  4. Coat each chicken leg with avocado or olive oil to help the dry rub stick.
  5. Generously rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken legs and place them on the smoker grates.
  6. Close the smoker lid and smoke the chicken legs for about 1 hour or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Raise the smoker temperature to 450°F and sear each leg for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side for crispy skin.
  8. Remove the chicken legs from the smoker and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken legCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 300mgVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For extra crispy skin, increase the smoker temperature at the end. Generously rub the seasoning into every crevice for the best flavor.

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