How to Smoke Chicken Quarters on Big Green Egg

Looking to smoke some delicious chicken quarters on your Big Green Egg? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you the step-by-step process of how to achieve perfectly smoked chicken quarters that are juicy and full of flavor.

From selecting the right chicken quarters to monitoring and maintaining the temperature, we’ve got you covered. So grab your Big Green Egg and get ready to impress your friends and family with your amazing smoking skills!

Selecting the Right Chicken Quarters

When selecting the right chicken quarters, it’s important to choose ones that are fresh and have a good amount of meat on them. Before you start smoking, consider brining the chicken to enhance its flavor and juiciness. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a mixture of water, salt, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer. This process helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Allow the chicken to brine in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or overnight for maximum results.

Another option to enhance the taste of your smoked chicken is marinating. Marinating involves soaking the chicken in a mixture of oil, acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar), and various seasonings. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and adds moisture to prevent it from drying out during the smoking process. You can choose from a variety of marinades, such as citrus-based marinades for a tangy flavor or herb-based marinades for a more savory taste.

Remember to pat the chicken dry before smoking to ensure a crispy skin. By selecting fresh chicken quarters, brining, and marinating them, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious and flavorful smoked chicken on your Big Green Egg.

Preparing the Chicken Quarters for Smoking

First, make sure you’ve properly seasoned and marinated your chicken pieces before placing them on the grill. This will help enhance the flavor and ensure juicy and delicious results.

To prepare your chicken quarters for smoking on the Big Green Egg, follow these steps:

• Brining process for chicken quarters: Brining is a great way to add moisture and flavor to your chicken. Start by dissolving salt and sugar in water, then submerge the chicken quarters in the brine for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help keep the meat tender and juicy during the smoking process.

• Different smoking techniques for chicken quarters: There are various smoking techniques you can use to cook your chicken quarters on the Big Green Egg. Some popular methods include indirect smoking, where you place a plate setter beneath the grill grate to create a barrier between the heat source and the chicken. This allows for slow and even cooking. Another technique is using wood chips or chunks to add smoky flavor to the chicken. Soak the wood in water for about 30 minutes before placing it on the hot coals.

By following these steps and utilizing different smoking techniques, you can achieve perfectly smoked chicken quarters with a rich and smoky flavor.

Remember to monitor the temperature of the Big Green Egg and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Enjoy your deliciously smoked chicken quarters!

Seasoning the Chicken Quarters

To enhance the flavor of your chicken quarters, be sure to season them generously with your favorite blend of spices and herbs. Seasoning is a crucial step in creating delicious smoked chicken. By using different seasoning options and marinating techniques, you can elevate the taste of your chicken to new heights. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Seasoning Options	Marinating Techniques
Cajun Spice	Overnight Marinade
Lemon Herb	Dry Rub
BBQ Rub	Brine
Garlic Parmesan	Injection
Jamaican Jerk	Wet Marinade

Experiment with different combinations to find the flavors that suit your taste buds. Whether you prefer bold and spicy or tangy and savory, there’s a seasoning blend out there for you. Consider marinating the chicken quarters overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Alternatively, you can use a dry rub for a quick and easy option. The choice is yours!

Preheating the Big Green Egg

Make sure you preheat the grill before you start cooking. Preheating the Big Green Egg is an important step to ensure that your chicken quarters are cooked to perfection. Here are some preheating techniques and the benefits of preheating:

• Allow ample time for preheating: Give the grill enough time to reach the desired temperature. This will vary depending on the recipe, but a general rule of thumb is to preheat for at least 15-20 minutes.

• Clean the grill grates: Before preheating, make sure to clean the grill grates to remove any leftover residue from previous cookouts. This will prevent any unwanted flavors or burnt bits from transferring to your chicken quarters.

• Use a thermometer: Investing in a good quality thermometer will help you accurately monitor the temperature of the grill. This ensures that you are cooking your chicken quarters at the correct temperature, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat.

• Close the vents: Closing the vents will help trap the heat inside the grill, allowing it to reach the desired temperature faster and maintain it throughout the cooking process.

• Evenly distribute the charcoal: Arrange the charcoal in a way that promotes even heat distribution. This will help prevent any hot spots on the grill that may cause uneven cooking.

The benefits of preheating are numerous. Preheating helps to:

• Ensure even cooking: By preheating the grill, you create a consistent heat source that will cook your chicken quarters evenly.

• Develop a flavorful crust: Preheating allows the chicken quarters to develop a delicious crust on the outside while retaining their moisture on the inside.

• Reduce cooking time: A preheated grill will cook your chicken quarters more efficiently, reducing the overall cooking time.

• Enhance food safety: Preheating the grill helps kill any harmful bacteria that may be present on the grill grates, ensuring that your chicken quarters are cooked to a safe temperature.

• Prevent sticking: Preheating the grill helps to create a non-stick surface, making it easier to flip and remove your chicken quarters without them sticking to the grates.

Setting Up the Smoking Environment

Now that you have preheated the grill, it’s time to set up the smoking environment. To achieve that delicious smoke flavor infusion, you’ll need a few essential smoking accessories.

First, you’ll need some wood chips or chunks. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes before placing them on the hot coals. This will ensure a slow release of smoke throughout the cooking process.

Next, you’ll need a drip pan. Place it on the plate setter or convEGGtor to catch any drippings and prevent flare-ups. This will also help to keep your chicken quarters moist and tender.

To add even more flavor, consider using a smoking wood flavor of your choice. Popular options include hickory, apple, and mesquite. Simply scatter a handful of wood chips or chunks on the hot coals before placing your chicken quarters on the grill.

Lastly, a good quality meat thermometer is essential to ensure your chicken quarters are cooked to perfection. This will help you monitor the internal temperature and prevent under or overcooking.

Smoking the Chicken Quarters

When it comes to smoking chicken quarters, it’s important to consider the best type of wood to use, the optimal cooking time, and the ideal temperature.

The type of wood you choose will greatly impact the flavor of the chicken, with popular options including hickory, apple, and mesquite.

Cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of the chicken quarters, but a general guideline is to smoke them at 225-250°F for about 2-3 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Best Wood for Smoking

To get the best flavor, you’ll want to use a combination of applewood and hickory chips when smoking chicken quarters on the Big Green Egg. These wood chips will provide a delicious smoky taste that complements the juicy chicken perfectly. Here are some reasons why this wood combination works so well:

• Applewood adds a slightly sweet and fruity flavor to the chicken.

• Hickory chips give a strong and robust smoky taste.

• The combination of both woods creates a well-balanced flavor profile.

• Applewood and hickory are readily available and easy to find.

• The smoke from these woods enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.

Cooking Time and Temperature?

For the perfect cooking time and temperature, make sure you preheat your grill to 225°F before placing the chicken quarters on the grate. This is a crucial step in achieving juicy and flavorful smoked chicken quarters.

Once your grill is preheated, place the chicken quarters directly on the grate, skin side up. Close the lid and let the chicken smoke for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. It’s important to monitor the temperature throughout the cooking process to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

To add extra flavor, you can baste the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Remember, patience is key when smoking chicken quarters, so resist the temptation to open the lid too often.

With these cooking techniques and tips, you’ll have perfectly smoked chicken quarters every time.

Monitoring and Maintaining the Temperature

Make sure you’re regularly checking and adjusting the temperature to ensure your chicken quarters are cooked perfectly on the Big Green Egg. Temperature control is crucial in achieving tender and juicy chicken.

Here are a few tips on monitoring and maintaining the temperature:

• Use a meat thermometer: This handy tool will help you accurately measure the internal temperature of the chicken. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.

• Calibrate your thermometer: To ensure accuracy, calibrate your thermometer before each use. This can be done by placing it in a glass of ice water and verifying that it reads 32°F (0°C).

• Adjust the vents: The Big Green Egg has top and bottom vents that control airflow and temperature. Open them wider to increase the temperature and close them partially to lower it.

• Monitor the thermometer on the Egg: The built-in thermometer on the Egg’s dome provides a rough estimate of the internal temperature. Keep an eye on it and make adjustments as needed.

• Rest the chicken: Once the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and flavorful meat.

Finishing and Serving the Smoked Chicken Quarters

When it comes to finishing and serving the smoked chicken quarters, there are a few key points to consider: sauce or no sauce, plating, and presentation.

You have the option to add a delicious sauce to enhance the flavor of the chicken, or you can leave it as is for a more natural and smoky taste.

Plating and presentation are also important, as you want to create an appealing and visually pleasing dish for your guests.

Sauce or No Sauce

Adding a sauce to the smoked chicken quarters on the Big Green Egg can enhance the flavor. Whether you choose to use a sauce or not is a matter of personal preference. Here are some things to consider when deciding:

• Marinade for chicken: Using a marinade before smoking the chicken can infuse it with extra flavor. Consider marinating the chicken in your favorite sauce or a mixture of herbs, spices, and oil.

• Dry rub vs wet rub: Dry rubs are a mixture of herbs, spices, and salt that are applied directly to the chicken before smoking. They create a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat. Wet rubs, on the other hand, are made by mixing a dry rub with a liquid, such as oil or vinegar, to create a paste. This paste is then applied to the chicken.

• Sauce options: There are a variety of sauces that can be used to enhance the flavor of smoked chicken. From tangy BBQ sauces to spicy buffalo sauces, the options are endless. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite.

• Applying the sauce: If you choose to use a sauce, it is best to apply it in the last 15 minutes of cooking. This allows the sauce to caramelize and develop a delicious crust on the chicken.

• Serve on the side: If you’re unsure about using a sauce, you can always serve it on the side. This way, people can choose to add sauce to their own liking.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use a sauce or not is up to you. Consider your personal preferences and experiment with different flavors to create the perfect smoked chicken quarters on the Big Green Egg.

Plating and Presentation

Now that you’ve decided whether to sauce your smoked chicken quarters or not, it’s time to focus on plating and presentation.

When it comes to presenting your dish, there are various plating techniques you can use to make it look visually appealing. One popular technique is stacking the chicken quarters on top of each other, creating a vertical presentation. Another option is to fan out the quarters in a circular pattern, creating an elegant look.

As for garnishing options, you can add a sprig of fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, on top of the chicken for a touch of color and freshness. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some chopped parsley or paprika for added visual appeal.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a simple and delicious way to smoke chicken quarters on your Big Green Egg.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your chicken is flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked every time.

Remember to:

• Choose the right chicken quarters
• Properly prepare and season them
• Preheat your Big Green Egg
• Set up the smoking environment
• Carefully monitor the temperature throughout the smoking process.

With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be enjoying mouthwatering smoked chicken quarters in no time.

Enjoy!