Smoked Chicken Legs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs or more of chicken legs
- Salt
- Water
- Weber Kickin Chicken seasoning (available at Walmart or your local grocery store)
- Wood pellets (for smoker)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Legs:
- Purchase a packet of 2 lbs or more of chicken legs from the grocery store.
- Rinse the chicken legs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Brine the Chicken Legs:
- Fill a large bowl or container with enough water to fully submerge the chicken legs.
- Add 1/4 cup of salt to the water and stir until the salt is dissolved.
- Place the chicken legs in the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Cover the container and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Season the Chicken Legs:
- After 2 hours, remove the chicken legs from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Generously season each side of the chicken legs with Weber Kicking Chicken seasoning.
- Pat and massage the seasoning into the chicken legs to ensure it adheres well.
- Prepare the Smoker:
- Fill your smoker’s pellet hopper with wood pellets of your choice.
- Preheat the smoker to a temperature of around 225°F (107°C). This usually takes about 15-20 minutes until it’s smoking and warmed up.
- Smoke the Chicken Legs:
- Place the seasoned chicken legs on the smoker grates.
- Insert a meat thermometer into one of the chicken legs, making sure not to touch the bone.
- Close the smoker lid and let the chicken legs smoke.
- Monitor and Maintain:
- Check the smoker every 20 minutes to ensure it maintains a steady temperature and add more pellets as needed.
- Rotate the chicken legs for even cooking and smoke distribution.
- Cook to Perfection:
- Continue smoking the chicken legs until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C). This typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Once the chicken legs reach the desired temperature, remove them from the smoker.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the smoked chicken legs rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious smoked chicken legs!