BEST Smoked Chicken Legs on Pellet Grill

Smoked chicken legs on a white serving dish.

4.92 from 70 votes

BEST Smoked Chicken Legs on Pellet Grill

These easy Smoked Chicken Legs on Pellet Grill are perfect for dinner! The chicken is coated with a homemade dry rub and then cooked in flavorful smoke until you have juicy, tender chicken inside. The crispy skin is full of fantastic smoke flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prep Time15

Cook Time2

Total Time2 15

Course: All Recipes, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 345kcal

Author: Jeri Walker

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken legs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons dry chicken rub* the recipe below makes 9 tablespoons, but save the extra rub for the next time you make chicken.

Homemade Dry Chicken Rub

¼ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons Roasted Garlic and Peppers Seasoning a Club House seasoning. You can also use the McCormick brand.
2 teaspoons paprika or smoked paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat the smoker to 250 degrees F. Make sure it is topped up with wood pellets.
Cover the chicken legs on all sides with the olive oil. Use a brush or your fingers to get it all over.
Apply the dry rub liberally over the chicken legs and ensure it covers all parts; top, bottom, and sides.
Once the smoker comes up to temperature, place the chicken legs directly on the preheated grill and put your thermometer probe in, horizontally through each side, into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.
Close the lid and smoke the chicken for one hour. After 1 hour, flip the chicken over and smoke the drumsticks for one more hour, until the internal temperature of the chicken legs reaches 165 degrees F. However, I cook chicken legs (or any dark meat) to 175 degrees F - it is much more tender. This will take about 2 hours total time.
If you like BBQ sauce, apply your favorite sauce the last few minutes of cooking time.
Remove the smoked chicken legs from the grill and place them on a serving tray. Cover with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before smoking.
Leave space between the chicken legs.
Cook by temperature, not by time.
Leftovers are excellent for quick meals throughout the week.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Nutrition