\t\t\t<\/p>\n Smoked chicken quarters are perfect for weekend cookouts, family dinners, and meal prep. They\u2019re cheap, flavorful, and incredibly easy to cook on the Traeger. Whether you\u2019re feeding a hungry crowd or want an easy weeknight dinner, these smoky quarters deliver every time.<\/p>\n The dark meat stays juicy throughout the smoking process, making overcooking nearly impossible. Perfect for beginners who want to build confidence with their pellet grill, or experienced pitmasters looking for a reliable go-to recipe.<\/p>\n No time to read the recipe? Pin it to read later \u2935\ufe0f<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Smoked chicken quarters are a dish that makes you look like a backyard barbecue expert with minimal effort. The Traeger does most of the work while you enjoy time with family and friends. These quarters are ideal for game day gatherings, summer parties, or Sunday meal prep sessions when you want to cook once and eat well all week.<\/p>\n Brown Sugar Alternative:<\/strong> Coconut sugar or maple sugar work well and add subtle flavor variations. Honey powder can be used but reduce the amount to 2 tsp as it\u2019s sweeter than brown sugar.<\/p>\n Cayenne Pepper Substitute:<\/strong> Paprika or chili powder can replace cayenne for less heat. Use chipotle powder or add a pinch of ghost pepper powder for more heat.<\/p>\n Remove your chicken quarters from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. <\/p>\n Pat each piece completely dry with paper towels, paying special attention to the cavity areas where moisture collects. Dry skin is essential for achieving that crispy exterior we\u2019re after.<\/p>\n Set your Traeger to 275\u00b0F and allow it to preheat for 15 minutes. This temperature provides the perfect balance between smoke penetration and cooking efficiency. T<\/p>\n he lower temperature ensures the chicken cooks slowly, allowing the smoke flavor to develop while keeping the meat incredibly tender. Ensure your pellet hopper is full and you use quality hardwood pellets for the best flavor.<\/p>\n Brush each chicken quarter evenly with olive oil, and coat all surfaces, including the underside. The oil acts as a binder for your seasoning rub and promotes even browning.<\/p>\n Combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl. Apply the rub generously, working it into all the nooks and crannies of the chicken. Don\u2019t forget to season the cavity side as well.<\/p>\n Place the seasoned chicken quarters on the grill grates skin-side up, leaving at least 2 inches between each piece for proper air circulation. This positioning allows the fat to render down through the meat while keeping the skin exposed to the heat for crisping. <\/p>\n After 1 hour and 30 minutes, increase your Traeger temperature to 375\u00b0F. This higher heat is essential for achieving crispy skin while finishing the cooking process. <\/p>\n By this point, the chicken should be a beautiful golden color, and you\u2019ll notice the skin starting to tighten and crisp up. This two-stage cooking method ensures both proper smoke flavor and textural contrast.<\/p>\n Continue cooking for 45-60 minutes, checking the internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. <\/p>\n The chicken is done when it reaches 175\u00b0F internally. The higher temperature for dark meat ensures all connective tissues break down properly, resulting in tender, juicy meat that falls off the bone.<\/p>\n Remove the chicken quarters from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is perfectly moist. The internal temperature will rise slightly, reaching the optimal serving temperature.<\/p>\n Allow your smoked chicken quarters to cool to room temperature before storing, which typically takes 30-45 minutes.<\/p>\n Store leftover chicken quarters in airtight containers or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Properly stored chicken will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, separate the meat from the bones before storing, as this allows for more even reheating and takes up less storage space.<\/p>\n For longer storage, chicken quarters can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each quarter individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags with the air removed. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.<\/p>\n The oven method works best for maintaining crispy skin when reheating. Preheat your oven to 350\u00b0F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165\u00b0F. U<\/p>\n Set the microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes for quicker reheating, though this method will soften the skin. The Traeger can also be used to reheat at 300\u00b0F for 10-15 minutes, which helps restore some of the original texture.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udccc Did you try this recipe?<\/strong><\/p>\n Have you made this delicious recipe and loved it? <\/p>\n I would love it if you took a minute to leave a star rating and review. It is also helpful if you made any substitutions or changes to the recipe to share that; thank you! <\/p>\n \ud83d\udccc Please also pin the image below, then you can find the recipe for the next time you want to cook.<\/p>\n Charlie<\/span><\/p>\n Juicy, tender chicken quarters with crispy skin and deep smoky flavor from the Traeger grill. The perfect balance of savory seasonings creates an irresistible golden-brown exterior while keeping the meat incredibly moist and flavorful throughout.<\/p>\n Prep Time <\/span>15 minutes<\/span><\/span> mins<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Cook Time <\/span>2 hours<\/span><\/span> hrs<\/span> 30 minutes<\/span><\/span> mins<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Total Time <\/span>2 hours<\/span><\/span> hrs<\/span> 45 minutes<\/span><\/span> mins<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Course <\/span>Appetizer, Dinner, lunch, main, Main Course<\/span><\/p>\n Cuisine <\/span>American, Barbecue, bbq, grill<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n Servings <\/span>4<\/span> serves<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Calories <\/span>385<\/span> kcal<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n Remove chicken quarters from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Preheat Traeger grill to 275\u00b0F using hickory or apple wood pellets.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Pat chicken quarters completely dry with paper towels and brush with olive oil.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Combine all dry seasonings in a small bowl and rub evenly over chicken quarters.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Place chicken quarters skin-side up on grill grates, leaving space between each piece.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Smoke for 1 hour 30 minutes, then increase temperature to 375\u00b0F.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Continue cooking for 45-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 175\u00b0F in the thickest part.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.simplymeatsmoking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/traeger-leg-quarters-33-1.jpg.webp)
<\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\nEasy Smoked Traeger Chicken Quarters<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What You\u2019ll Need to Cook<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Ingredient Substitutes<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to Cook Traeger Chicken Quarters<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 2: Preheat Your Traeger<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 3: Season the Chicken<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 4: Smoke<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.simplymeatsmoking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/traeger-leg-quarters-23.jpg.webp)
<\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\nStep 5: Monitor Internal Temperature<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Step 7: Rest and Serve<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.simplymeatsmoking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/traeger-leg-quarters-5-1.jpg.webp)
<\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\nHow To Store Leftovers and Reheat<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What To Serve With Chicken<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.simplymeatsmoking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/traeger-chicken-quarters-1.jpg.webp)
<\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.simplymeatsmoking.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/traeger-chicken-quarters-300x300.jpg.webp)
<\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\nTraeger Smoked Chicken Quarters<\/h2>\n
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