This simple smoked chicken leg quarters recipe is 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
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) according to manufacturer's instructions. 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 the vent.
Step 4
Smoke in the preheated smoker according to manufacturer's instructions until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 2 ½ hours, adding more wood chips after each hour of cooking. An instant-read thermometer inserted into centers, near but not touching bone, should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
