Recipe for How to Smoke Butterflied Chicken Legs on Pellet Grill.
If you're looking to take your grilling skills to the next level, smoked butterflied chicken legs are a must-try recipe. This flavorful dish combines the juiciness of chicken drumsticks with the irresistible smoky aroma from the pellet grill. Topped with a Parmesan garlic sauce, it's a winning combination that will make your taste buds sing. Bee Free Outdoors will guide you through the process of preparing and smoking these delicious chicken drumsticks, ensuring a culinary experience that will leave everyone craving for more.
Why Butterfly Chicken?
Butterflying gives you more surface area, for more smoke, and dry rub. Also, a faster and more even cook. Sometimes you want to prepare a meal that doesn't take all day, and this recipe will do just that. With grocery prices soaring this is an inexpensive meal to cook for family and friends. I bought about four pounds of Tyson drumsticks for around $6.00; my local Kroger had a BOGO sale. So, give this Smoked butterflied Chicken Drumsticks with Parmesan Garlic Sauce recipe a try on your pellet grill.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Total cook time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients for Smoked Chicken Legs
Chicken drumsticks
Half a stick of butter
Olive oil
Your favorite dry rub
Your favorite wing sauce
Preparing the Chicken Drumsticks | How to Butterfly Chicken Legs.
Start off by butterflying your chicken legs. Cut down one side of the bone and filet the side open, cut down the top of the bone pulling that part to the other side, then make a vertical cut down the other side of the bone. Do not cut all the way through. I butterflied these with my Victorinox curved boning knife. Definitely a sharp knife is a must have tool you need in your kitchen to butterfly your chicken and to work with any cut of meat.
Place your butterflied chicken legs in a mixing bowl. Appy olive oil as a binder, sprinkle on your favorite dry rub and toss in the bowl. I used Killer Hogs AP, this seasoning is an excellent blend of salt pepper garlic.
Click on Killer Hogs AP to purchase directly from Bee Free Outdoors
Preparing the Pellet Grill for Smoking
Start up your pellet grill and set to 250°. I smoked these on my Pit Boss 820 Comp Series
How Long to Smoke Butterflied Chicken Legs?
I smoked these at 250° for about 30 minutes then flipping over to other side and letting them go for another 30 minutes. Pull from your grill when chicken internal temperature hits about 150°-155°. Then place your cast iron skillet in your grill and crank the temperature to 450°. Add half stick of butter and let it fully melt.
Once your grill reaches 450° add your chicken to your cast iron skillet and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Rotate chicken in your skillet and cook for an additional 10 minutes. I like to cook on my cast iron as well to help keep my grates and broiler plate clean since I cook on it almost daily. But something magical happens when you cook with butter in a cast iron skillet.
Add you favorite wing sauce, for this recipe I used a parmesan garlic sauce. I used local store brand wing sauce. Let that cook until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°. I use my ThermoPro Lightning Instant Read Thermometer.
Serving and Enjoying the Flavorful Delight
These wings come out with great flavor, the right amount of smoke and the amazing taste of garlic and parmesan. Serve and enjoy!!
Butterflied drumsticks are delicious and inexpensive.
Smoking butterflied chicken drumsticks is a delightful culinary adventure that combines the magic of smoky flavors with tender, juicy chicken. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests. So, fire up your smoker or grill, grab some quality drumsticks, and embark on a smoky journey that will leave you craving more. Your next barbecue masterpiece awaits!
Delicious Side Dishes to Pair with Chicken Legs:
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky and sweet, a perfect match for your chicken.
Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy side to balance the smoky richness.
Baked Beans: A classic BBQ side that adds a touch of sweetness and heartiness.
Potato Salad: Creamy and satisfying, ideal for complementing the smoky flavors.
Final Thoughts:
Smoked butterflied chicken legs are a fantastic addition to any BBQ menu, offering a delicious and impressive dish with minimal effort. The butterflying technique ensures even cooking and maximum flavor absorption, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Give this recipe a try at your next BBQ, and watch it become a crowd favorite!
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