Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
Description
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.
Ingredients
•
2 tablespoons salt, or to taste
•
1 teaspoon garlic powder
•
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
•
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
•
1 pinch cayenne pepper
•
4 chicken leg quarters
•
wood chips, soaked in water for 20 minutes
Directions
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.
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.
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.
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).