Nothing says Summer like some backyard get together’s with family and friends. And heck….. it’s about time we all get together with our loved ones right?! It’s been a hell of a past year, and I for one am ready to start “living” again. Last year for Fathers Day my daughter and I bought my husband an electric smoker. We had visions of using that smoker all summer long on weekends with friends. Unfortunately that was the “dark summer of covid”. Well here we are a year later with a bright summer ahead of us.
So dust off those smokers and get ready for GOOD TIMES!
These Smoked Chicken Legs are the perfect way to kick off the 2021 Summer.
Smoked Chicken Legs are so simple to make. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the chicken to smoke/cook. I like to start the chicken legs marinading the night before.
BUTTERMILK MARINADE
1/2 Gallon Buttermilk
1 Tablespoon Cheyenne Pepper
1 teaspoon Salt
In a large gallon size plastic baggie place 10-12 chicken legs. Pour the buttermilk marinade over chicken legs. Seal and place in fridge to chill overnight or for at least 3 hours.
DRY RUB
3 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 teaspoon Black Pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
Mix all rub ingredients together and place in a shallow dish.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, pat dry each chicken leg. Place each leg into the bowl with the rub and coat each piece. Place chicken legs onto a metal smoker chicken rack, or on a greased sheet pan.
We choose to use Applewood and Mesquite wood chips in the smoker, along with Apple Cider in the water pan. Start the smoker to reach a temperature of 275. Place chicken inside smoker and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove chicken and here is where you may add your own bbq sauce to the legs or keep them dry. We chose to spritz them with apple juice and cover them with tin foil. Reduce smoker heat to 200 degrees and return legs to smoker for another 15 minutes.
These Smoked Chicken Legs have crispy skin on the outside, with the best smoked flavor. Once you take that first bite Y’all will be wanting to start another batch.
Start packing your weekend schedule with get together’s, its time to feel our freedom!
Here we come Summer of 2021!
~Lark
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