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Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze

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Smoked Chicken Legs with Red Pepper Glaze are tender, juicy chicken drumsticks coated in a sweet and spicy roasted red pepper glaze. Slow-smoked for deep flavor, this dish offers a perfect balance of smokiness, heat, and sweetness.

Ingredients

  1. 6 chicken legs (drumsticks)
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    1 cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade)
    2 cloves garlic
    1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
    1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
    1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).

  1. Rub chicken legs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place chicken legs on smoker racks and smoke for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. While chicken smokes, prepare the red pepper glaze by blending roasted red peppers, garlic, apple cider vinegar, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne, and cumin until smooth.
  4. During the last 20 minutes of smoking, brush chicken legs generously with the red pepper glaze every 5-10 minutes.
  5. Remove chicken from smoker and let rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Serve with additional glaze on the side.

Notes

  1. Use bone-in chicken thighs as an alternative.
  2. Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for herbal notes.
  3. Spice up the glaze with chipotle peppers or hot sauce.
  4. Serve alongside grilled vegetables or coleslaw.
  5. Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/smoked-chicken-legs-with-red-pepper-glaze/