The duration required for properly smoking chicken drumsticks represents the cooking time necessary to achieve a safe internal temperature and desired texture. This time frame depends on factors such as smoker temperature, drumstick size, and desired level of smokiness. As an example, smoking drumsticks at 275F typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Accurately determining the smoking time ensures the poultry is both safe for consumption, by reaching an internal temperature of 165F (74C), and possesses the characteristic smoky flavor and tender texture that makes smoked chicken desirable. Precise timing prevents undercooking, which poses health risks, and overcooking, which results in dry and unappetizing meat. Historically, smoking was a method of preserving food, and understanding the appropriate duration was crucial for extending its shelf life.
