Elevate your next meal with this Sugar-Free Smoked Chicken Leg recipe—a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic dish. Perfectly seasoned with a smoky, aromatic blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs, these tender chicken legs are infused with a hint of citrus from fresh lemon juice. By using olive oil and an artfully curated spice rub, this recipe achieves bold flavor without the need for added sugars. Slow-cooked in a smoker at 225°F for two hours, these juicy and smoky chicken legs are ideal for a keto-friendly, low-carb lifestyle. Serve them fresh off the smoker with your favorite sides, and savor the crispy skin, succulent meat, and rich layers of seasoning in each bite. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or preparing a wholesome family dinner, these sugar-free smoked chicken legs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Preheat your smoker to 225°F (approximately 107°C) using your preferred wood chips. Hickory or applewood are great choices for this recipe.
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, salt, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning adhere better and promote a crisp skin.
Coat the chicken legs evenly with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture generously all over each leg. Ensure that every part of the chicken is covered with the spice rub.
Squeeze the lemon juice over the chicken legs, making sure it is evenly distributed.
Place the chicken legs in the smoker, skin side up. Close the lid and smoke for approximately 2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 74°C).
Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the leg without touching the bone. This ensures the chicken is cooked through.
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken legs from the smoker and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even juicier.
Serve your sugar-free smoked chicken legs with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Calories |
1112 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 80.8 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.1 g | 96% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 454 mg | 151% | |
| Sodium | 2810 mg | 122% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7.7 g | 3% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 8% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.7 g | ||
| Protein | 85.0 g | 170% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 76 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 6.1 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 1033 mg | 22% | |
*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.