Elevate your weeknight dinner or backyard gathering with this flavorful Low Carb Smoked Chicken Leg recipe! Perfectly seasoned with a bold blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme, these chicken legs are tenderized with a splash of tangy lemon juice before being slow-smoked to perfection. The smoking process at 275Β°F ensures irresistibly juicy, smoky meat with delightfully crisp skin, all while keeping things keto-friendly and low carb. Ready in just 90 minutes of cook time, this dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad, making it a wholesome, guilt-free feast. Whether youβre a seasoned smoker or a beginner, these smoked chicken legs are sure to impress!
Preheat your smoker to 275Β°F (135Β°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin will crisp up during smoking.
Rub the chicken legs with olive oil, then evenly coat them with the spice mixture. Ensure each leg is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor.
Squeeze lemon juice over the seasoned chicken legs, allowing the acidity to tenderize the meat further.
Place the chicken legs on the smoker rack, ensuring they are not touching for even smoke circulation.
Smoke the chicken legs at 275Β°F (135Β°C) for approximately 1.5 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165Β°F (74Β°C). Use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading.
Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
Serve the smoked chicken legs hot with your choice of low-carb side dishes such as a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Calories |
1128 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.4 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.2 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 454 mg | 151% | |
| Sodium | 2813 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.3 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.7 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 85.7 g | 171% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 86 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1151 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.