How to Smoke Chicken Quarters on a Pellet Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide

ByJennifer Lucks

How to Smoke Chicken Quarters on a Pellet Grill

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook chicken, look no further than smoked chicken quarters! This method is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a simple weeknight meal. With just a few ingredients and a pellet grill, you can have perfectly smoked chicken quarters in no time.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right wood pellets to smoking and serving your chicken. So whether you’re a seasoned griller or a complete novice, read on for all the information you need to know!

| Step | Instructions | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. | You can use any type of pellet grill, but we recommend using a Traeger or Camp Chef pellet grill. |
| 2 | Season the chicken quarters with your favorite rub. | We like to use a rub that is made with a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. |
| 3 | Place the chicken quarters on the grill and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. | You will need to check the chicken quarters periodically to make sure they are not overcooking. |
| 4 | Remove the chicken quarters from the grill and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. | The chicken quarters will be juicy and flavorful, and they will be a hit with your family and friends. |

Preparing the Chicken Quarters

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken quarters, split at the joint
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue rub
  • 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Equipment

  • A large bowl
  • A baking sheet
  • A wire rack
  • A basting brush
  • A pellet grill

Steps

1. In a large bowl, combine the barbecue rub, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken quarters to the bowl and toss to coat.
3. Place the chicken quarters on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack.
4. Refrigerate the chicken quarters for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Setting Up the Pellet Grill

Temperature

The ideal temperature for smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Smoke

You can use any type of wood for smoking chicken quarters, but some of the most popular options include hickory, apple, and cherry.

Wood Pellets

Use a high-quality hardwood pellet for smoking chicken quarters. Some of the best options include oak, hickory, and maple.

Smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill is a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. The smoky flavor of the wood pellets and the juicy, tender meat will make this dish a hit with your family and friends.

Here are some tips for smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill:

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Baste the chicken quarters with barbecue sauce or your favorite glaze every 30 minutes or so to keep them moist.
  • Let the chicken quarters rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to smoke delicious chicken quarters on your pellet grill in no time.

How To Smoke Chicken Quarters On A Pellet Grill?

Smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill is a delicious and easy way to cook chicken. The smoky flavor of the pellet grill pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken, and the end result is a dish that is sure to please everyone.

To smoke chicken quarters on a pellet grill, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 4 chicken quarters
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue rub
  • 1/2 cup of apple juice
  • 1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the chicken quarters and pat them dry.
3. Season the chicken quarters with your favorite barbecue rub.
4. Place the chicken quarters on the grill grates, skin side up.
5. Smoke the chicken quarters for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the chicken quarters with the apple juice and water mixture every 30 minutes.
7. Remove the chicken quarters from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking the Chicken Quarters

The cooking time for chicken quarters on a pellet grill will vary depending on the size of the quarters and the temperature of the grill. For smaller quarters, you will need to cook them for a shorter period of time, while larger quarters will need to cook for a longer period of time.

The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken quarters.

It is important to note that the chicken quarters will continue to cook after you remove them from the grill. So, it is important to remove them from the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill is 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will allow the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful end product.

If you increase the temperature of the grill, the chicken will cook faster, but it will also be more likely to dry out. If you decrease the temperature of the grill, the chicken will cook slower, but it will be more moist.

You can experiment with different temperatures to find the one that you prefer.

Maneuvering the Chicken Quarters

It is important to maneuver the chicken quarters so that they cook evenly. You can do this by rotating the chicken quarters every 30 minutes or so.

You can also baste the chicken quarters with the apple juice and water mixture every 30 minutes. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Serving the Chicken Quarters

Once the chicken quarters are cooked, you can serve them immediately. You can serve them with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

You can also shred the chicken quarters and use them in other dishes, such as tacos, burritos, or salads.

Tips

Here are a few tips for smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill:

  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken quarters.
  • Remove the chicken quarters from the grill when they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Maneuver the chicken quarters so that they cook evenly.
  • Baste the chicken quarters with the apple juice and water mixture every 30 minutes.
  • Serve the chicken quarters immediately or shred them and use them in other dishes.

Recipes

Here are a few recipes for smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill:

  • Smoked Chicken Quarters with Barbecue Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken quarters
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue rub
  • 1/2 cup of apple juice
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat your pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the chicken quarters and pat them dry.
3. Season the chicken quarters with your favorite barbecue rub.
4. Place the chicken quarters on the grill grates, skin side up.
5. Smoke the chicken quarters for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the chicken quarters with the apple juice and water mixture every 30 minutes.
7. Remove the chicken quarters from the grill and let them rest

How long do I smoke chicken quarters on a pellet grill?

The cooking time for chicken quarters on a pellet grill will vary depending on the size of the quarters and the temperature of the grill. For small quarters, cook for 1-1.5 hours at 225-250 degrees F. For larger quarters, cook for 2-2.5 hours at the same temperature.

What temperature should I cook chicken quarters on a pellet grill?

The ideal temperature for cooking chicken quarters on a pellet grill is 225-250 degrees F. This will allow the chicken to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat.

What wood should I use to smoke chicken quarters on a pellet grill?

There are many different woods that can be used to smoke chicken quarters on a pellet grill. Some popular choices include applewood, hickory, and oak. The type of wood you use will impart its own unique flavor to the chicken.

How do I prevent chicken quarters from drying out when smoking them on a pellet grill?

There are a few things you can do to prevent chicken quarters from drying out when smoking them on a pellet grill. First, make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Second, baste the chicken quarters with a flavorful liquid, such as apple juice or chicken stock, every hour or so. This will help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

What are some tips for smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill?

Here are a few tips for smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill:

  • Start with fresh, high-quality chicken quarters.
  • Marinate the chicken quarters in a flavorful liquid for several hours or overnight.
  • Smoke the chicken quarters at a low temperature (225-250 degrees F) for a long period of time (1-2.5 hours).
  • Baste the chicken quarters with a flavorful liquid every hour or so.
  • Let the chicken quarters rest for a few minutes before serving.

What are some common mistakes people make when smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill?

Here are some common mistakes people make when smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill:

  • Using chicken quarters that are too large.
  • Cooking the chicken quarters at too high a temperature.
  • Not basting the chicken quarters with a flavorful liquid.
  • Not letting the chicken quarters rest before serving.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can smoke delicious and flavorful chicken quarters on your pellet grill.

smoking chicken quarters on a pellet grill is a simple and delicious way to cook this versatile meat. By following the steps in this guide, you can create juicy, flavorful chicken that is perfect for a backyard barbecue or a weeknight meal. So fire up your pellet grill and get started!

Here are a few key takeaways from this guide:

  • Marinating your chicken quarters in a flavorful liquid will help to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Smoking chicken quarters at a low temperature over indirect heat will allow them to cook evenly and develop a delicious smoky flavor.
  • Be sure to rest your chicken quarters for a few minutes before serving so that the juices can redistribute.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to smoke chicken quarters like a pro! So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Author Profile

Jennifer Lucks
Jennifer Lucks
With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.

Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.

In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.

Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.