Smoked Leg Quarters Recipes

BAKED CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (218 degrees C). Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil.
• Stir together smoked paprika, granulated garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Pat chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels. Gently lift the skin and sprinkle in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the seasoning blend, using a fingertip to spread the seasoning around under the skin. Brush both sides of each leg quarter with melted butter.
• Evenly sprinkle remaining spice mixture on both sides of each quarter and set cut side up onto the prepared sheet pan.
• Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Turn the quarters cut side down using tongs and continue baking until chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 20 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
• Turn on the broiler and broil each side of the chicken leg quarters until skin is nicely browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Test for a final internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Transfer chicken leg quarters to a serving plate. Tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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).