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!