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Best Easy Smoked Leg Quarters Recipe

Name: Best Easy Smoked Leg Quarters Recipe
Total time: 160 min
Yield: 220 g
Ingredients: chicken leg quarters 6 pieces; olive oil 3 tbsp; kosher salt 1.5 tbsp; black pepper 1 tsp; smoked paprika 2 tsp; garlic powder 1 tsp; onion powder 1 tsp; dried thyme 1 tsp

Juicy smoked chicken leg quarters with crispy, seasoned skin are a high protein, budget-friendly chicken dish. This family-style smoked meat is perfect for large gatherings and meal prep.

Cook 160 min Difficulty NORMAL 345 kcal

#high protein #budget friendly #meal prep #smoked chicken

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

chicken leg quarters 6 pieces
olive oil 3 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

kosher salt 1.5 tbsp
black pepper 1 tsp
smoked paprika 2 tsp
garlic powder 1 tsp
onion powder 1 tsp
dried thyme 1 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 2 g 2%

Protein 34 g 40%

Fat 22 g 58%

Serving size 220g

Cooking steps

1

Pat chicken leg quarters dry with paper towels for optimal crispy skin.
2

Brush each leg quarter with olive oil, coating both sides evenly.
3

Combine kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme in a small bowl, then rub seasoning mixture thoroughly over all sides of the chicken.
4

Preheat smoker to 250°F (121°C) and add your preferred smoking wood chips. Arrange leg quarters skin side up on the smoker rack, leaving space around each piece for even heat circulation.
5

Smoke chicken for 2 hours, then check internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Increase smoker heat to 325°F (163°C) and continue smoking until skin is crisp and temperature reaches 175°F (79°C), about 40–60 minutes more. Rest the leg quarters 10 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The core ingredient is chicken leg quarters, which provide a juicy texture and rich flavor when smoked. The olive oil and the blend of spices (kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and others) create the seasoned, crispy skin that defines this dish's signature appeal.

Q. How do I ensure the chicken leg quarters stay juicy with crispy skin?

Patting the chicken dry and coating it with olive oil before applying the spice rub helps the skin crisp up. Smoking at 250°F, then finishing at a higher heat of 325°F, ensures the inside stays moist while the skin turns perfectly crisp.

Q. What is the proper internal temperature for smoked chicken leg quarters?

For food safety and juicy meat, smoke until the internal temperature reaches 175°F. The final high-heat phase crisps up the skin without overcooking, as described in the finishing steps.

Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?

Each 220g serving contains approximately 345 kcal, with 34g of protein (40% of calories), 2g of carbohydrates (2% of calories), and 22g of fat (58% of calories), making it a high-protein, low-carb dish suitable for meal prep and gatherings.

Best Easy Smoked Leg Quarters Recipe

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