Our Smoked Chicken Quarters recipe uses the low and slow smoking method plus a simple spice rub to get the most flavorful chicken pieces that you can imagine!  Serve them as-is or in our tasty smoked chicken salad recipe.

The Best Smoked Chicken Quarters

These juicy chicken quarters will quickly become a family favorite as they’re simple to cook, taste amazing, and you probably have all of the ingredients for our original rub mix in your spice cabinet! We love cooking up a big batch of these for the whole family to enjoy throughout the week in salads, tacos, or sandwiches.  

What You Will Need

• kosher salt & ground black pepper – Both add flavor and help the other spices to shine their brightest.
• onion powder & garlic powder – Classic dry rub flavors.
• paprika – Because this spice comes from red peppers, it has a semi sweet yet peppery flavor.
• dried oregano – This diverse seasoning brings notes of mint and earthiness.
• ground ginger – For a kick of flavor!
• cumin – Brings rich undertones.
• ground coriander – Adds notes of citrus and pepper.
• chicken leg quarters – These are simply the hindquarters or leg quarts of a chicken.
• light olive oil – To get that crispy skin that we love!

How To Smoke Chicken Quarters

While your smoker is heating to 225 degrees F., mix the following dry rub ingredients in a small bowl; kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano leaves, ground black pepper, ground ginger, cumin and ground coriander. Pat the chicken quarters dry with a clean paper towel, as this is what helps the skin get nice and crispy.  Then drizzle olive oil on all sides of the chicken and use your hands to ensure all of the meat is coated.  Then sprinkle the meat with the dry rub mixture, and use your hands again to ensure that the meat is totally coated.

How Long To Smoke Chicken Quarters At 225

Once your seasoned chicken quarters are in the smoker, let them smoke for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes or when their internal temperature reaches 158 to 160 degrees fahrenheit. Place your internal meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading. Timing will vary depending on how thick your chicken quarters are.

To get that delicious crispy skin, bring a gas grill to medium high heat and sear the chicken, skin side down, for 2-3 minutes.

For best results, remove your smoked chicken leg quarters and let them rest for 5-10 minutes, as they will continue cooking during this time, which makes them super juicy.

What To Serve With Chicken Quarters

Chicken is such a versatile meat and pairs beautifully with so many veggies and starches, but a few of our favorite side dishes are smoked broccoli, zesty Italian pasta salad, smoked corn on the cob, or a caesar pasta salad.