Traeger Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

5 from 2 votes

These smoked chicken drumsticks are loaded with incredible flavor. They're smokey, juicy, tender, and easy to prepare!

Prep Time15

Cook Time2

Marinade time2

Total Time4 15

Course: dinner, entree, lunch

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: servings

Calories: 336kcal

Prepare marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional) in a small bowl or measuring cup.
Place defrosted drumsticks in a gallon-sized ziplock bag and pour marinade over them. Message the marinade into the chicken legs, then refrigerate for a minimum of two hours or overnight.
Prepare Traeger or pellet grill by adding your favorite pellets, then preheating to 225°F. Select super smoke, if you have that option. When smoker comes to temperature, place chicken drumsticks on grill grates in a single layer and smoke for one hour.
Crank temperature up to 275°F and smoke until they reach an internal temperature of 175-180°F when checked by a probe or meat thermometer. Remove chicken from grill and rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Larger drumsticks may need 30 minutes longer.

For crispier skin, finish the chicken legs by searing them over high heat (450°F) for a few minutes on each side.
Cooking time will be affected by many factors including the outside temperature, how many times the lid is lifted, the size of the chicken drumsticks, and so on. The best way to judge doneness is with a meat thermometer.
Apple, cherry, and pecan are all great pellet flavor options.
You can also crisp up the skin in an air fry or broil the smoked chicken until the skin is crispy.
Store leftover chicken legs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.