Ultimate Guide to Perfect BBQ Smoked Chicken Quarters and Bourbon Garlic Green Beans with Mac and Cheese

Smoking chicken quarters low and slow unlocks deep, smoky flavors that make every bite memorable. When paired with bourbon garlic green beans and rich, creamy mac and cheese, you get a classic, satisfying meal that’s perfect for gatherings or a comforting dinner. This guide walks you through each step to master these dishes, from selecting ingredients to cooking techniques that bring out the best in every component.

Smoked chicken quarters brushed with house BBQ sauce, ready to serve

How to Smoke Chicken Quarters with House BBQ Sauce

Smoking chicken quarters requires patience and attention to detail. The goal is tender meat infused with smoke, finished with a flavorful BBQ glaze.

Ingredients for Smoked Chicken Quarters

• 4 chicken leg quarters (thigh and drumstick attached)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)

• 2 cups wood chips (hickory or applewood recommended)

• 1 cup house BBQ sauce (recipe below)

  
  

House BBQ Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions for Smoking Chicken Quarters

1. Prepare the chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken quarters. Rub olive oil over the skin.

2. Season the chicken: Mix salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder in a bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly over the chicken.

3. Preheat the smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add soaked wood chips to the smoker box or directly on coals.

4. Smoke the chicken: Place chicken quarters skin side up on the smoker rack. Smoke for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Apply BBQ sauce: During the last 30 minutes, brush the chicken with the house BBQ sauce every 10 minutes to build a sticky glaze.

6. Rest and serve: Remove chicken from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

   
   

Smoking low and slow allows the fat to render and the smoke to penetrate deeply, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin.

How to Make Bourbon Garlic Green Beans

Bourbon garlic green beans add a savory, slightly sweet side with a hint of warmth from the bourbon. This dish balances the smoky chicken perfectly.

Ingredients for Bourbon Garlic Green Beans

• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)

  
  

Instructions for Bourbon Garlic Green Beans

1. Blanch the green beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking.

2. Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

3. Add green beans: Drain green beans from ice water and add to the skillet. Toss to coat in garlic butter.

4. Add bourbon: Carefully pour bourbon into the skillet (it may flame briefly). Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bourbon reduces slightly and coats the beans.

5. Season and finish: Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using. Toss again and serve warm.

   
   

The bourbon adds a subtle depth that complements the caramelized garlic and fresh green beans.

Bourbon garlic green beans sautéed to a glossy finish

How to Prepare Classic Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser with its creamy texture and golden baked crust. This recipe uses a blend of cheeses for richness and flavor.

Ingredients for Mac and Cheese

• 1 pound elbow macaroni

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 4 cups whole milk, warmed

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)

  
  

Instructions for Mac and Cheese

1. Cook pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Make cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

3. Add milk: Gradually whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add cheese and seasoning: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Combine pasta and sauce: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until fully coated.

6. Prepare for baking: Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.

7. Add topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.

8. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

   
   

This mac and cheese is creamy inside with a crunchy, golden crust that makes it a top seller at any table.

Baked mac and cheese with golden crust fresh from the oven

Tips for Success and Serving Suggestions

• Smoking tips: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Keep the smoker temperature steady for even cooking.

• BBQ sauce: Adjust sweetness or tanginess by tweaking brown sugar or vinegar in the sauce.

• Green beans: Blanching keeps them crisp and vibrant. Don’t skip the ice bath.

• Mac and cheese: Use a mix of cheeses for complexity. Gruyère adds nuttiness that cheddar alone can’t provide.

• Serving: Plate smoked chicken quarters alongside bourbon garlic green beans and a generous scoop of mac and cheese for a balanced meal.

  
  

This combination offers smoky, savory, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors that complement each other beautifully.