These Traeger Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters are easy to prepare, layered with a bold seasoning blend, and finish with crisp, golden skin. This recipe is very economical—leg quarters are one of the most affordable cuts of chicken—and the dark meat stays juicy and full of flavor when cooked correctly on a pellet grill.
Chicken Leg Quarters Recipe
Warmer weather is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill, and these Traeger chicken leg quarters are a great way to welcome the season. They’re simple to make and very forgiving, so even if you’re just getting started with pellet grilling you’ll achieve great results.
I like to use a mix of Togarashi and Korean-style barbecue seasonings for an exciting layer of flavor, but any favorite chicken rub will work. The approach is flexible: season generously, grill over indirect heat until mostly cooked through, then finish over higher heat for crispy skin and juicy meat.
Grilling at about 400°F on a Traeger yields crispy skin and tender interior. Turn the pieces regularly and monitor internal temperature so you hit a safe, juicy finish.
Recipe Shopping List
You don’t need many ingredients to make this dish. For quantities and exact details, refer to the recipe card below.
- Chicken leg quarters
- Your preferred seasoning rub (use plenty)
How To Make This Recipe
Grilling chicken leg quarters is straightforward when you use indirect heat and turn the pieces periodically. The method below focuses on even cooking and a final blast of high heat to crisp the skin.
- Preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C).
- Generously season each leg quarter with your chosen rub or spice blend.
- Place chicken skin-side down over indirect heat and grill for about 25–30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes to promote even browning.
- Increase the grill temperature to high for the last 10 minutes (about 5 minutes per side) to crisp the skin. Always check internal temperature—chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C). Bone-in pieces take longer to reach this than breasts.
Recipe FAQ
They are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm doneness, inserting it into the thickest part without touching bone.
Best Side Dishes
This chicken pairs well with simple, comforting sides that balance its smoky, savory flavors. Rice and vegetables are classic choices, and finishing sauces let everyone personalize their plate.
Side ideas:
- Steamed or seasoned basmati rice
- Buttery rice made in a pressure cooker or stovetop
- Wild rice pilaf for a nutty texture
- Smoked or baked beans for a hearty accompaniment
Drinks That Pair Well
A cold spritzer or a light white wine spritzer complements grilled chicken nicely. For after-dinner options, coffee-based liqueurs or cream-enhanced coffees make excellent choices when you want something a bit richer.
For a simple after-meal coffee, add a splash of vanilla sweet cream or a coffee liqueur to taste.
More Chicken Recipes
- Traeger BBQ Chicken Sandwich
- Greek Chicken Marinade
- Traeger Baked Cheddar Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Traeger Butterflied Chicken Legs
- Traeger Vietnamese Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Paprikash
- Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Smoked Butter Chicken Thighs
- Traeger Chicken Pot Pie
- Traeger Chicken Teriyaki
- Traeger Grilled Nashville Hot Chicken
- Sweet Chili Chicken Leg Quarters
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Grilled Chicken Leg Quarters
These leg quarters are rubbed generously with seasoning and grilled on a wood-pellet grill until tender and smoky with crisp skin. This economical meal is family-friendly and full of flavor.
10 minutes
25 minutes
10 minutes
45 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 chicken leg quarters
- Generous amount of seasoning rub (your favorite blend)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 400°F (204°C).
- Season each chicken leg quarter liberally with your chosen rub.
- Place skin-side up on the grill and cook for 15 minutes, flip and grill an additional 10 minutes. When the internal temperature approaches 150°F, increase heat and finish until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1 piece
Amount Per Serving:
- Calories: 475
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 328mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 62g
Nutrition data is an estimate. If you require exact values for medical or dietary reasons, consult a trusted source or nutrition calculator.
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