Ingredients
6 chicken leg quarters
1½ tsp kosher salt, or to taste
1 tsp black pepper, or to taste
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp ancho chile powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper, optional, adjust the amount to taste
½ tbsp vegetable oil, for rubbing
½ cup cooking oil, for frying; or butter
Preparation
Preheat smoker to 275 degrees F at the grate level.
Rub the chicken with oil and evenly sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of each leg quarter. Get some seasonings under the skin. Pat down to make the seasonings stick.
In a large cast iron skillet, heat ½ cup of cooking oil, or butter, over medium-high heat. In two batches, sear the chicken quarters, about 2 minutes per side or until the skin is golden brown.
Transfer the chicken to the smoker, skin side up.
Smoke at 275 degrees F for about 1½ hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 185 to 190 degrees F.
Remove the chicken from the smoker, let rest for 3 minutes and serve with any favorite side dish.
