Smoked chicken leg quarters are one of the best weeknight or after-work meals. By making a few simple changes, you can elevate this classic dish into an international flavor experience. That's exactly what these Japanese BBQ Chicken Quarters achieve.
Ingredients Needed:
- Chicken Leg Quarters (or chicken of your choice)
- BBQ Rub
- Japanese BBQ Sauce (we used Bachan’s Brand)
- Green Onions
- Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Start by washing your hands before performing any food prep.
The Prep:
This recipe is very simple to prepare and should only take a few minutes. To get started, remove any extra fat or skin flaps that are tucked under the leg quarters, as these portions will remain more chewy and are better off removed. Next, apply your favorite BBQ rub for chicken. For this recipe, we used a BBQ rub that was not overly sweet but also a bit savory. If you prefer, a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will work well too. With both sides of the chicken seasoned, let it sit for a few minutes while you set up your grill for cooking.
The Cook:
We are using the Slow ‘N Sear® MasterKettle with our Slow ‘N Sear® Deluxe insert for today’s cook. Our target temperature is around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To achieve this temperature, pre-light one chimney of coals and pour them into the Slow ‘N Sear®. Then, close the lid and open your top and bottom vents to 1/3–1/2 open. Allow it to preheat. Depending on specific variables, you may need to adjust the vents to maintain the target temperature range based on your environment.
Once preheated, place your chicken leg quarters on the indirect area of the MasterKettle, and add a small piece of hardwood to the coals for a hint of smoky flavor. Cook for about 45 minutes, or until the thighs reach a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For better texture, we prefer to cook them to 175–180 degrees. Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, apply your Japanese BBQ sauce and close the lid to allow the sauce to set slightly for a few more minutes.
When the chicken leg quarters are fully cooked, remove them from the grill, sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, and serve hot. This meal takes about an hour to prepare and is an easy option for any day of the week.