How to Make Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters - A Step-by-Step Guide

Smoked chicken leg quarters are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for grilling season. The combination of smoky flavor and juicy chicken meat is sure to be a hit at any backyard barbecue or family dinner. Whether you're an experienced smoker or just getting started, this recipe is easy to follow and produces amazing results every time.

One of the best things about smoking chicken leg quarters is that they are incredibly versatile. They can be served on their own as a main...

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons salt, or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 4 chicken leg quarters
  • wood chips, soaked in water for 20 minutes

Information

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Additional Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 6 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 4

  • Combine salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. Add chicken and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours.
  • Three hours before cooking, set an electric smoker to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Keep the top vent closed.
  • When ready to cook, remove chicken from the refrigerator. Place a chicken leg quarter on each of the four wire racks. Place the racks into the smoker and add water to the water pan. Add two loads of soaked wood chips according to the manufacturer's instructions and open the vent.
  • Smoke chicken until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 2 1/2 hours, adding more wood chips after each hour of cooking. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Nutrition

    297 cal.

    • Total Fat: 13g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 143mg
    • Sodium: 3627mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 1g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 0g
    • Protein: 41g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 25mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 403mg