How To Smoke Chicken Leg Quarters In An Electric Smoker

Smoking Chicken Leg Quarters in an Electric Smoker

Smoking chicken leg quarters in an electric smoker is a delicious way to infuse rich, smoky flavor into the meat. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker enthusiast or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly smoked chicken leg quarters every time.

Preparation

Before you start smoking, it’s important to properly prepare the chicken leg quarters. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Start by rinsing the leg quarters under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
• Remove any excess skin or fat from the leg quarters.
• Season the leg quarters with your choice of dry rub or marinade. This is where you can get creative and customize the flavor to your liking.

Setting Up the Electric Smoker

Now that the chicken leg quarters are prepped, it’s time to set up the electric smoker. Follow these steps:

1. Fill the smoker’s wood chip tray with your preferred wood chips. Popular options for smoking chicken include hickory, apple, or cherry wood.
2. Preheat the electric smoker to a temperature of 225-250°F (107-121°C).

Smoking the Chicken Leg Quarters

Once the smoker is preheated, it’s time to start smoking the chicken leg quarters. Here’s how to do it:

• Place the seasoned leg quarters directly on the smoker racks, leaving space between each piece for the smoke to circulate.
• Close the smoker’s door and allow the chicken leg quarters to smoke for approximately 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Monitoring the Process

While the chicken leg quarters are smoking, it’s important to monitor the process to ensure the best results. Here are a few tips for monitoring the smoking process:

• Check the wood chip tray periodically and add more wood chips as needed to maintain a steady flow of smoke.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken leg quarters to ensure they are fully cooked.

Finishing Touches

Once the chicken leg quarters have reached the desired internal temperature and are infused with delicious smoky flavor, it’s time to remove them from the electric smoker. Here’s what to do:

• Carefully remove the smoked chicken leg quarters from the smoker and transfer them to a serving platter.
• Allow the chicken leg quarters to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of smoking chicken leg quarters in an electric smoker, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether you’re serving them up for a family dinner or a backyard barbecue, your perfectly smoked chicken leg quarters are sure to be a hit!