Mesquite Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters Recipes

MESQUITE GRILLED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Prepare grill for indirect medium heat (325°F to 375°F). Preheat grill by turning all burners to high with lid closed. Turn off burner(s) on one side of the grill. Turn burner on the other side to medium.Note: To maintain medium heat (325°F to 375°F), keep lid closed and adjust lit burner as necessary. Directions were developed using a gas grill. Grills vary; cooking time is approximate.
• Brush chicken with oil. Season cavity with 1 tablespoon of the Rub. Sprinkle remaining Rub evenly over surface of chicken. Place chicken, breast side up, on unlit side of grill. Close lid.
• Grill chicken 1 1/2 hours or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thigh).

SMOKED CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS

Steps:

• Combine salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. Marinate chicken leg quarters in the homemade seasoning rub for 4 to 8 hours.
• At the same time, set an electric smoker to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C) for 3 hours. Keep the top vent closed.
• Place 1 chicken leg quarter on each of the wire racks. Place the racks into the smoker. Add water to the water pan. Add 2 loads of soaked wood chips according to 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. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).