How Long Does It Take To Smoke Chicken Leg Quarters

How Long Does It Take to Smoke Chicken Leg Quarters?

Summertime is smoky time in our household. We have our smoker up and running most weekends. We smoke everything from ribs to pulled pork to fish. One of our favorite things to smoke is chicken leg quarters. They are so easy to prepare and they always turn out moist and flavorful. But how long does it take to smoke chicken leg quarters?

The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the size of the chicken leg quarters, the temperature of the smoker, and the desired level of doneness. In general, you can expect to smoke chicken leg quarters at 225-250°F for 1-2 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Factors Affecting Smoking Time

There are a few factors that can affect the smoking time of chicken leg quarters. These include:

• Size of the chicken leg quarters: Larger chicken leg quarters will take longer to smoke than smaller ones.
• Temperature of the smoker: Smoking at a higher temperature will cook the chicken leg quarters faster than smoking at a lower temperature.
• Desired level of doneness: If you want the chicken leg quarters to be fall-off-the-bone tender, you will need to smoke them for longer than if you want them to be just cooked through.

Tips for Smoking Chicken Leg Quarters

Here are a few tips for smoking chicken leg quarters:

• Use a good quality smoker. A good smoker will help to regulate the temperature and produce consistent results.
• Preheat the smoker to the desired temperature before adding the chicken leg quarters. This will help to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grates.
• Season the chicken leg quarters with your favorite spices and seasonings. This will help to add flavor to the chicken.
• Place the chicken leg quarters on the smoker grate and smoke for 1-2 hours per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Check the chicken leg quarters regularly to make sure that they are not overcooking.

Expert Advice

In addition to the tips above, here is some expert advice on smoking chicken leg quarters:

• Use a fruitwood or hickory wood for smoking. These woods will add a sweet and smoky flavor to the chicken.
• Inject the chicken leg quarters with a flavorful brine before smoking. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Let the chicken leg quarters rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about smoking chicken leg quarters:

1. How can I tell if the chicken leg quarters are done? The best way to tell if the chicken leg quarters are done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh. If the internal temperature reaches 165°F, the chicken is done.
2. Can I smoke chicken leg quarters on a gas grill? Yes, you can smoke chicken leg quarters on a gas grill. However, you will need to use a smoker box or indirect heat to create smoke.
3. How long can I store smoked chicken leg quarters? Smoked chicken leg quarters can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Smoking chicken leg quarters is a great way to cook a flavorful and juicy meal. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can achieve perfect results every time. So fire up your smoker and give it a try!

Are you ready to smoke some chicken leg quarters? Leave a comment below and let us know your favorite smoking tips!