Our easy Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters are a delicious way to cook the most juicy and tender chicken for dinner!
Ingredients
1tablespoonkosher salt
2teaspoonsonion powder
2teaspoonsgarlic powder
2teaspoonspaprika
1tablespoondried oregano
1/2teaspoonground black pepper
1/4teaspoonground ginger
1/2teaspooncumin
1/2teaspoonground coriander
4chicken leg quarters
light olive oil
Instructions
Prep Smoker: Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees F and ensure the grill grates are clean.
Mix Dry Rub: Add kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano leaves, ground black pepper, ground ginger, cumin and ground coriander to a small bowl; mix to combine.
Prep Chicken: Place the chicken leg quarters on a large plate or baking sheet, pat dry with paper towels and then drizzle with olive oil; rub to coat. Sprinkle with the seasoning mixture and rub to coat.
Smoke Chicken: Carefully set the seasoned chicken quarters directly on the grill grates of the smoker and let the chicken smoke for approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes or until their internal temperature at the thickest part of the meat reaches 158-160 degrees F (use a meat thermometer). Total smoke time will depend up on how thick your chicken quarters are and other variables - keep an eye on that internal temp.
Sear: To get a crispy outside, bring a gas grill to a medium-high heat and sear the chicken quarters with the skin-side down for about 2-3 minutes or until char marks form.
Rest + Serve: Remove from grill and let the meat rest for about 5-10 minutes and serve any way you want! We love using smoked shredded chicken to make our Smoked Chicken Salad!
Dry Rub: love the simple dry rub included in this recipe card is great! We also have a basic chicken dry rub and a smoked chicken dry rub. A store-bought option would work too!
Searing: You do not have to do Step 5 and sear the chicken BUT if you don't then leave your chicken on the smoker a bit longer until it reaches an internal temp. of 163 degrees F. The internal temp will continue to rise as it rests and will reach 165 degrees F.