Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters

These simple smoked chicken leg quarters are full of flavor thanks to a dry rub marinade made with a spicy blend of seasonings and an electric smoker.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr 30 mins
• Total Time: 2 hr 40 mins
• Calories: 297 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 chicken leg quarters
• 2 tablespoons salt, or to taste
• wood chips, soaked in water for 20 minutes

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a glass or ceramic bowl. Add chicken; toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 8 hours.

Step 2

Three hours before cooking, set an electric smoker to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Keep the top vent closed.

Step 3

When ready to cook, place 1 chicken leg quarter on each of the four wire racks. Place racks into the smoker; add water to the water pan. Add two loads soaked wood chips according to the manufacturer's instructions and open vent.

Step 4

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 of cooking. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).