Juicy & Smoky Chicken Leg Quarters on a Pellet Grill: The Ultimate Guide

Are you tired of dry flavorless chicken? Looking to put those chicken leg quarters to good use? Well grab your tongs because I’m about to show you how to transform those affordable chicken quarters into a mouthwatering meal on your pellet grill!

I’ve been experimenting with chicken quarters for years, and let me tell you – pellet grills are a game-changer for this cut of meat The combination of smoke flavor and precise temperature control creates chicken that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and infused with amazing wood-fired flavor.

What Are Chicken Leg Quarters?

Before we dive in, let’s clarify exactly what we’re cooking Chicken leg quarters are the thigh and drumstick portion of the chicken, still connected. They’re often more affordable than other cuts, making them perfect for feeding a crowd You can cook them whole as quarters or separate them into thighs and drumsticks if you prefer.

What You’ll Need

• Chicken leg quarters (at least 1 pound, but I always cook extra for leftovers!)
• Your favorite chicken seasoning or marinade
• Wood pellets (apple, cherry, or pecan work great for chicken)
• Pellet grill (Pit Boss, Traeger, Smokefire, etc.)
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Preparing Your Chicken Quarters

Proper preparation is crucial for delicious results. Here’s how to get your chicken quarters ready for the grill:

1. Remove from packaging: Take the chicken quarters out of their packaging.
2. Pat dry: This is SUPER important! Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken dry. Dry chicken = crispy skin.
3. Season generously: Apply your favorite chicken seasoning or marinade. For maximum flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.

Pro tip: I’ve found that a simple SPG (salt, pepper, garlic) rub works wonderfully, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings like a barbecue rub or herb and lemon marinade.

Firing Up Your Pellet Grill

Now that your chicken is prepped, it’s time to get your pellet grill ready:

1. Fill the hopper: Add your choice of wood pellets to the hopper. Apple and cherry pellets add a sweet, mild smoke flavor that complements chicken perfectly.
2. Preheat the grill: For most pellet grills, you’ll want to start at a lower temperature around 225°F (107°C) for smoking. Let the grill preheat for about 10-15 minutes.

The Two-Phase Cooking Method

I’ve found that a two-phase cooking approach works best for chicken quarters on a pellet grill. This method ensures juicy meat with crispy skin:

Phase 1: Low and Slow Smoking

1. Place the seasoned chicken quarters on the grill grates, skin side up.
2. Close the lid and smoke at 225°F (107°C) for about 40-45 minutes.
3. Flip the quarters so the skin side is down.

Phase 2: Higher Heat Finish

1. Increase the grill temperature to 350°F (177°C).
2. Continue cooking for about 20 minutes.
3. Flip the chicken again (skin side up) and cook for another 20 minutes.

Total cooking time: Approximately 80-90 minutes, but always cook to temperature, not time!

How to Know When Your Chicken Quarters Are Done

The only reliable way to know if your chicken is done is by checking the internal temperature:

• Minimum safe temperature: 165°F (74°C) according to the FDA
• My personal preference: 180°F (82°C) for dark meat like quarters

Why the higher temp? Dark meat contains more myoglobin, and cooking to a higher temperature ensures you won’t have any reddish-pink meat around the bones, which can be off-putting even though it’s safe to eat.

Always check the temperature at the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch bone with your thermometer as this will give you a false reading.

Resting: The Secret to Juicy Chicken

When your chicken quarters reach the desired temperature, resist the urge to dive in immediately! Instead:

1. Remove the chicken from the grill.
2. Place on a plate or cutting board.
3. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Skip this step, and those flavorful juices will run out when you cut into the chicken, leaving you with drier meat.

Alternative Cooking Methods

While I’ve outlined my favorite method above, there are other ways to cook chicken quarters on a pellet grill:

Method 1: Straight High-Heat Method

• Preheat grill to 375°F (190°C)
• Cook chicken for 45-55 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F
• Best for when you’re short on time but still want good flavor

Method 2: Smoke Then Sear

• Smoke at 180-200°F for 1 hour
• Increase to 350°F for 30-60 minutes
• Finish with a quick sear for extra crispy skin
• Great for maximum smoke flavor

Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: Skin isn’t crispy

Solution: Make sure your chicken is completely dry before grilling. You can also try finishing with a few minutes of direct heat cooking to crisp up the skin.

Problem: Chicken is taking too long to cook

Solution: Check that your grill is maintaining temperature. Cold or windy weather can affect pellet grills. You might need to adjust your P-setting on some grills.

Problem: Pink meat near the bone

Solution: This is normal for dark meat, but if it bothers you, cook to a higher internal temperature of 180°F.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken quarters are super versatile and pair well with many sides:

• Fresh seasonal vegetables
• Classic BBQ sides like coleslaw or baked beans
• Fluffy mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Lima beans (an overlooked but delicious pairing!)

The Bottom Line

Cooking chicken quarters on a pellet grill isn’t rocket science, but following these steps will help you achieve consistent, delicious results every time. The combination of smoke flavor, crispy skin, and juicy meat is hard to beat!

I’ve been smoking chicken quarters for years, and the pellet grill has become my favorite method. The precise temperature control and wood-fired flavor make it nearly foolproof, and the results speak for themselves.

So fire up that pellet grill, grab some chicken quarters, and get cooking! Your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you for this affordable, delicious meal.

Smoking chicken leg quarters on a pellet grill generally takes between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the temperature. At 225°F, it can take around 4 hours, while at 275°F, it may take 2.5 to 3 hours. Higher temperatures, like 300°F, can shorten the cooking time to around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

For optimal results, cook chicken on a pellet grill at a temperature between 325°F and 400°F (163°C and 204°C).

Smoking chicken leg quarters at 225°F typically takes 3-4 hours.

To cook chicken legs on a pellet grill at 350 degrees, expect to spend about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).