Traeger Smoked Chicken Legs

smoked chicken leg being grasped by a pair of tongs.

5 from 3 votes

Traeger Smoked Chicken Legs

Make these Traeger Smoked Chicken Legs on your smoker or grill and enjoy juicy drumsticks that are perfect for tailgates, game day, and backyard barbecues!

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 30

Resting Time30

Total Time2 10

Course: BBQ, Smoked Meat

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 322kcal

Author: Debi Morgan | Quiche My Grits

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup brown sugar
2 Tablespoons instant coffee granules
12 bone in chicken legs with skin on

Instructions

Combine all spices together in a mason jar or container. Shake or mix well.
Dry chicken legs with a paper towel and place on a sheet pan. Sprinkle dry rub on top of drumsticks, then turn over and add spices on the other side. Rub in with your hands until the spices fully saturate the legs.
1 Tablespoon garlic powder, 1 Tablespoon onion powder, 1 Tablespoon chili powder, 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 Tablespoons instant coffee granules, 12 bone in chicken legs with skin on
Preheat the smoker to 275 degrees F. (This higher temperature keeps the skin crispy.)
Place chicken on the smoker rack and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick.
Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature of the chicken legs reaches 175 degrees.
Remove drumsticks from grill grate and rest on a plate for 30 minutes. Do not cover or the skin will become rubbery.
Serve as is...or with your favorite bbq sauce!

Notes

Even though chicken is fully cooked at 165 degrees F, dark meat needs to cook at least 10 degrees higher for best results. Anything less and the meat doesn't fall off the bone.
Leftover chicken legs taste great the next day! Just reheat them on the smoker at 275º F, or pop them in the oven at 350º until heated throughout (about 10 minutes).

Nutrition