• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Chef Dennis
  • Recipe Index
  • On the Road
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Chicken Recipes

    Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters

    Published: Jul 1, 2023 by Chef Ryan Littley

    38 shares
    • Facebook
    • Email
    5 from 37 votes
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest image for smoked chicken leg quarters.

    You don’t have to be a pitmaster to make smoked chicken leg quarters. It’s easier than you think.

    Perfectly seasoned with a dry rub and smoked at a low temperature, these are tender, juicy, smoky chicken leg quarters that your whole family will love!

    smoked chicken leg quarters on a white platter.

    Super moist and tender, you’ll love the sweet, smoky flavor of my chicken quarters. And meal prep couldn’t be easier.

    When it comes to my chicken quarters recipe, I prefer using chicken leg quarters. This cut of chicken has dark meat quarters that will be incredibly moist and juicy, whereas the white meat of chicken breast quarters has a tendency to dry out and get tough.

    Table of Contents:

    • Ingredients to make Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
      • Made with simple ingredients
    • Can I use other spices in my dry rub?
    • How to make Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • What type of smoker should I use?
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • More Recipes You’ll Love!
    • Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
      • Equipment
      • Ingredients
      • Instructions
      • Notes
      • Nutrition

    Ingredients to make Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters

    ingredients to make recipe.

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters. In Chef Speak, this is called the “Mise en Place,” which translates to “Everything in its Place.”

    Not only does setting up your ingredients ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    Made with simple ingredients

    • chicken leg quarters
    • kosher salt
    • smoked paprika
    • cumin
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • black pepper
    • cayenne pepper (optional)

    Can I use other spices in my dry rub?

    Yes, you can. The key to making delicious smoked chicken that you and your family will love is to use seasonings that you enjoy eating.

    Changing up the spices in this simple chicken rub is easy and definitely something you can do each time you prepare smoked chicken. Other seasonings you could add are cumin, chili powder, dry oregano, ground ginger, turmeric, and coriander.

    You can also use your favorite spice blend. Cajun seasoning, Jerk seasoning, Barbecue seasoning, and Old Bay can be used instead of making your own dry rub.

    For a sweet rub, add brown sugar to the seasonings. Or, if you like heat, cayenne pepper is usually the best way to kick up the flavor of your smoked chicken legs — but be careful because a little can go a long way.

    How to make Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters

    Start by getting the dry rub for the chicken ready.

    collage showing seasonings.
    • Add the seasonings for the dry rub to a small bowl.
    • Mix seasonings thoroughly to combine fully.
    image showing how to prepare recipe.
    • Pat the chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels.
    • Spread the dry rub generously over the chicken, making sure to season all sides of the chicken quarters for a well-balanced flavor.

    To achieve the best flavor, let the seasoned chicken set for 30 minutes to give the dry rub time to penetrate the chicken and marinate it with the seasonings. This also gives the chicken time to come to room temperature prior to putting it in the smoker.

    wood chips being added to the smoker.

    Preheat the smoker to 250 degrees F. and add the wood chips to the smoker. I used cherry wood chips for this dish, but feel free to use your favorite wood chip.

    collage showing how to set up smoker.

    Place the seasoned chicken in a shallow foil pan and place the pan on a smoker rack in the preheated smoker and cook the chicken leg quarters for 2.5 hours or until an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees is reached. 

    *Alternatively, you can place the chicken directly on the rack in the smoker, placing a drip pan on the rack below the chicken.

    *Use a digital meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken to make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees.

    To store leftover chicken leg quarters, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    ​If you like this smoked chicken recipe, you may also like my Smoked Chicken Wings, Smoked Chicken Legs, or Smoked Chicken Thighs recipe

    What type of smoker should I use?

    There are lots of great smokers to choose from, and for the most part, it comes down to a personal choice or where you live.

    • Old-fashioned charcoal smokers have been around for ages, and there are many different brands to choose from, ranging from Kettle-style to the Big Green Egg.
    • Wood-burning offset smokers are popular with the really serious barbecue aficionados, but they smoke like crazy and may not be popular with your neighbors.
    • Pellet smokers are a high-tech combination of an oven and a smoker. They combine the extra smokey flavor of actual combustion with the convenience of an electric smoker. 
    • Electric smokers are becoming a very popular option with home barbecue enthusiasts. They are a good choice and a much safer option. Depending on where you live, they could be the only style of smoker you’re allowed to use.

    Depending on the style of smoker you choose, you could also have the option of using propane instead of charcoal. Cabinet-style smokers also offer this option.

    smoked chicken leg quarters on a white platter.

    When it comes to creating delicious smoked meat, my electric smoker never fails me. With just a few minutes prep, I load the smoker, set the timer, and just wait for the delicious smoked chicken leg quarters to be ready.

    And my easily adaptable chicken rub lets you adjust the flavors to suit your taste, making chicken leg quarters your whole family will love.

    smoked chicken leg quarters with barbecue sauce on a white platter.

    While the smoking process adds a lot of flavor to the meat, something magical happens to the chicken when you add a layer of tangy barbecue sauce. If you have the time or inclination, start with your favorite barbecue sauce and add a few ingredients to create your own signature bbq sauce and kick up the flavor of your favorite barbecued meats. I also enjoy a good Alabama White sauce with smoked chicken.

    Use a basting brush to coat the chicken leg quarters with bbq sauce and serve with your favorite side dishes. My easy-to-make coleslaw is one of my favorite side dishes with barbecue. Or grab a pack of slaw mix and add my homemade coleslaw dressing.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    Does smoked chicken have to reach 165 degrees to be fully cooked?

    Yes, it does. For cooked chicken to be considered safe to eat, the minimum internal temperature of the meat must reach at least 165 degrees. That doesn’t mean that you should overcook the chicken. Always use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the chicken has reached the proper temperature.

    How long does it take to smoke chicken leg quarters at 225 degrees?

    At 225 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take between 3 – 3.5 hours to smoke chicken quarters. At 275-300 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect to smoke your chicken quarters for 1.5-2 hours. Of course, cooking time can vary based on size.

    Should I smoke chicken at 225 or 250?

    Both temperatures are acceptable for smoking chicken, and it really comes down to time and your personal preference. 250 is the highest temp I would smoke chicken at. Any higher and the results will not be as good.

     
    Is it better to smoke chicken leg quarters with or without skin?

    Chicken leg quarters are best when they still have their skin. If you like crispy chicken skin, be sure to finish them briefly in the oven at a high temperature — 450 degrees Fahrenheit works best. 

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • crispy seasoned chicken leg quarters on a white platter
      Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • Seasoned smoked chicken legs on a white platter.
      Smoked Chicken Legs
    • smoked chicken thighs on a white platter.
      Smoked Chicken Thighs
    • smoked chicken wings on a white platter.
      Easy Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    Chef's Choice
    Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker
    Masterbuilt 30-inch Digital Electric Smoker
    $279.99

    An electric smoker takes all the work out of smoking your favorite meats and seafood. This is the smoker I use for all my recipes.

    Buy On Amazon
    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    09/25/2023 03:48 pm GMT
    Chef's Choice
    ThermoPro Twin Wireless Meat Thermometer
    ThermoPro Twin Wireless Meat Thermometer
    $129.99

    I love the ThermoPro wireless meat thermometers. The easy to use app makes it easy to track the temperatures of the meats and seafood your cooking.

    Buy On Amazon
    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    09/25/2023 04:04 pm GMT
    Top Choice
    Western BBQ Smoking Wood Chips Variety Pack
    Western BBQ Smoking Wood Chips Variety Pack
    $25.99

    You get a great variety of wood chips with this starter pack. You get one bag of apple, cheery, mesquite, and hickory wood chips in each variety pack.

    Buy On Amazon
    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    09/25/2023 03:53 pm GMT
    Chef's Choice
    Heat Resistant Oven Gloves & Grilling Gloves
    Heat Resistant Oven Gloves & Grilling Gloves
    $15.98 ($7.99 / Count)

    These gloves take all the worry out of handling hot foods. These are perfect for grilling, smoking or removing pans from the oven.

    Buy On Amazon
    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    09/25/2023 04:08 pm GMT
    smoked chicken leg quarters on a white platter.
    Print Recipe Save Saved!
    5 from 37 votes

    Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters

    You don't have to be a pitmaster to make smoked chicken leg quarters. It's easier than you think. Perfectly seasoned with a dry rub and smoked at a low temperature creates a tender, juicy, smoky chicken leg quarter that your whole family will love!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Total Time2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 334kcal
    Author: Chef Ryan Littley

    Equipment

    • Smoker
    • wood chips
    • aluminum pan

    Ingredients

    • 4 chicken leg quarters
    • 2 tablespoon kosher salt
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional – more or less depending on taste
    • 1 cup barbecue sauce optional – use your favorite brand of sauce or my semi-homemade bbq sauce.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add your favorite wood chips to the smoker and preheat it to 250 degrees F.
      I used cherry wood, but feel free to use your favorite type of wood chip.
    • Add the dry rub seasonings to a small bowl and mix to fully combine.
    • Pat the chicken legs dry with paper towels.
    • Spread the dry rub generously over the chicken, making sure to season all sides of the chicken quarters for a well-balanced flavor.
    • To achieve the best flavor, let the seasoned chicken set for 30 minutes to give the dry rub time to penetrate the chicken and marinate it with the seasonings. This also gives the chicken time to come to room temperature prior to putting it in the smoker.
      *This step gives the rub time to soak into the skin and meat, but if you're in a hurry it can be skipped.
    • Place the seasoned chicken in a shallow foil pan and place the pan on a shelf in the preheated smoker and cook the chicken for 2½ hours or until an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees is reached.
      *Alternatively, you can place the chicken directly on the rack in the smoker, placing a drip pan on the rack below the chicken.
    • Slather the chicken in my semi-homemade barbecue sauce or your favorite brand of sauce.

    Notes

    *Other seasonings you could add are cumin, chili powder, dry oregano, ground ginger, turmeric, and coriander. You can also use your favorite seasoning blend. Cajun seasoning, Jerk seasoning, Barbecue seasoning, and Old Bay seasoning can be used instead of making your own dry rub. You can also add brown sugar to the seasonings to make a sweet rub.
    For heat, cayenne pepper is usually the best way to kick up the flavor of your smoked chicken legs. But be careful because a little can go a long way.
    *Use a digital meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken leg quarter to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 3603mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 825IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

    More Chicken Recipes

    • Chicken paprikash on a bed of noodles.
      Hungarian Chicken Paprikash Recipe
    • Chicken Riggies in a white bowl.
      Chicken Riggies Recipe
    • French Onion Chicken on a white platter.
      French Onion Chicken
    • Chicken fried chicken with country gravy on a white plate.
      Chicken Fried Chicken with Country Gravy

    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Pinterest image for smoked chicken leg quarters.


    My name is Dennis Littley or “Chef Dennis” as I’m known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fan Favorites

    • loaf of homemade artisan bread on a wooden cutting board
      Almost No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe
    • 2 Maryland crab cakes on a white plate
      Jumbo Lump Maryland Crab Cakes
    • chicken parm with pasta on a white plate
      Chicken Parmesan Recipe
    • seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray
      Best Baked Chicken Legs {Drumsticks}
    • side view of slice of bee sting cake being taken out of full cake
      German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) Recipe
    • Tiramisu with a fork on a white plate
      Best Tiramisu Recipe {step by step}
    • overhead view of barbecued half racks of baby back ribs on a white platter
      Easy Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
    • overhead view of veal parm and linguine on a white plate
      Restaurant Style Veal Parm Recipe

    Featured In

    Collage showing where Ask Chef Dennis has been featured.

    Popular Posts

    • crispy seasoned chicken leg quarters on a white platter
      Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • cropped-Gunniess-Beef-Stew-13.jpg
      Authentic Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
    • overhead shot of baked crab imperial on a white plate with sauteed greens and roasted potatoes
      Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Imperial
    • close up of half a chicken salad sandwich on a white plate
      Best Chicken Salad – Deli Style
    • oysters rockefeller with a slice of lemon on a bed of rock salt on a white platter
      How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller
    • sliced dry rub roasted brisket with cilantro and tomatoes on on a white platter
      Easy Oven Baked Beef Brisket Recipe
    • rack of pork with end cut off
      Oven Roasted Rack of Pork {Pork Rib Roast}
    • sliced meatloaf with the rest of meatloaf on a white platter
      Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Zesty Glaze

    Footer

    Pinterest image for smoked chicken leg quarters.

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    SUBSCRIBE

    Sign Up Today and start getting my easy-to-make restaurant-quality recipes!

    CONTACT

    • About
    • Contact
    © 2009-2023 · Ask Chef Dennis ·

    Proud Member of:
    Mediavine Publisher Network