Delicious Lemon Rosemary Smoked Chicken Drumsticks Recipe
The Smoked Rosemary Garlic Lemon Chicken Drumsticks were a symphony of flavors. The zesty lemon, aromatic rosemary, and smoky depth created an irresistibly tender and tangy delight, captivating every palate.
I adore dark meat like chicken drumsticks for its succulence and rich flavor. In Canada, it’s not just a culinary preference; it’s budget-friendly, making it a delightful and affordable choice for meals.
Rosemary lemon garlic chicken
This recipe effortlessly combines zesty lemon, fragrant rosemary, and smoky flavors for irresistibly juicy drumsticks. Its simplicity makes it a go-to favorite, delivering an effortlessly tasty dish.
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumsticks skin-on
- For the Marinade:
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic paste, chopped rosemary, salt, black pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinating the Chicken:
- Place the chicken drumsticks in a resealable plastic bag or a large bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each drumstick is coated thoroughly. Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even coverage.
- Seal the bag or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Smoker:
- Preheat your smoker to around 300°F (149°C). Use a fruitwood like apple or cherry for a mild smoky flavor that complements the lemon and rosemary.
- Smoking the Chicken:
- Remove the marinated chicken drumsticks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature while the smoker heats up.
- Place the chicken drumsticks directly on the smoker grates, making sure they are not touching each other for even smoking.
- Close the smoker and let the chicken smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the drumsticks reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chicken drumsticks are cooked and have a beautiful golden-brown color, remove them from the smoker.
- Allow the drumsticks to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist.
- Serve the smoked rosemary garlic lemon chicken drumsticks with your favorite side dishes or salads. The citrusy, herby, and smoky flavors will be a hit!
- Note:Remember to follow proper food safety guidelines while handling raw chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Enjoy your delicious and aromatic smoked chicken drumsticks!
