Sweet Heat Chicken Legs | AlcheMeats’ Lazy Lightning
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🍽️ Introduction
Take your chicken to the next level with Sweet Heat Chicken Legs; a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy recipe powered by AlcheMeats’ Lazy Lightning. Whether you’re firing up the Traeger, oven, or air fryer, these drumsticks are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or tailgate parties, this recipe combines effortless preparation with maximum taste — transforming simple chicken into a mouthwatering showstopper.
| Stage | Duration | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep | 10 min | — | Pat dry and season chicken legs |
| Marinate | 30 min – Overnight | Refrigerated | Enhances flavor and tenderness |
| Smoke | 1 hr | 400°F | Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F |
| Rest | 5–10 min | Room temp | Let juices settle before serving |
🧂 Ingredients
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12 uncooked chicken drumsticks
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Approx. 3 tbsp olive oil
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Approx. 3 tbsp Lazy Lightning seasoning by AlcheMeats
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1 gallon-size resealable bag
🔥 Directions
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Prep the chicken:
Pat drumsticks dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and promote crispier skin. -
Make the marinade:
In a gallon-size bag, combine half the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of Lazy Lightning seasoning. -
Add the chicken:
Place all drumsticks into the bag. Add the remaining olive oil and another tablespoon of Lazy Lightning seasoning. -
Massage and coat:
Seal the bag and massage until all chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. -
Marinate:
Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavor develops — overnight is best. -
Re-season:
Remove from refrigerator, discard leftover marinade, and re-season both sides of the drumsticks with more Lazy Lightning. -
Smoke:
Place drumsticks directly on the grate of a cold smoker (do not preheat).
Close the lid and turn the smoker on to 400°F. Smoke for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. -
Rest and serve:
Remove from smoker, let rest for 5–10 minutes, and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tip
You don’t need to flip food in a smoker — but flipping halfway through can help develop grill marks on both sides for better presentation.
📺 Watch the Recipe
🔄 Alternative Cooking Methods
🔥 Oven
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Place drumsticks on a baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
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Cook for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
🌬️ Air Fryer
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Arrange drumsticks in the basket without touching each other.
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Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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You may need to cook in batches depending on air fryer size.
Pro Tip: Drumsticks should have airflow around them — crowding prevents crispy skin.
🪄 Featured AlcheMeats Seasoning
Lazy Lightning
Bring the heat and flavor with this zesty, electric seasoning that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy. Ideal for poultry, seafood, and veggies — your new go-to for flavorful weeknight meals.