Say hello to the Aleppo Cherry-Smoked Firecracker Chicken, your new BBQ favourite! These chicken leg quarters soak up a flavour-packed marinade overnight, featuring Aleppo chili flakes for a moderate kick, honey for sweetness, and a smoky finish from cherry wood pellets. Cooked to perfection in the Ninja Woodfire, this recipe guarantees tender, mouth-watering chicken that's great for backyard parties or a casual dinner with mates.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Aleppo chili flakes, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, minced garlic, coriander, dark soy sauce, white vinegar, and honey until well combined.
Coat the chicken leg quarters thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate overnight to let the flavours meld.
Set your Ninja Woodfire Oven to air fry mode at 190°C. Load the smoker box with sweet cherry wood pellets for that irresistible smoky finish.
Line the oven tray with baking paper. Place the marinated chicken on the tray, spooning over any leftover marinade for extra flavour.
Cook the chicken quarters in the Ninja Woodfire for 20 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches at least 75°C.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to let the juices settle. Serve hot with your favourite sides like grilled veggies or a fresh salad.
Extra Smoky Tip: Add more cherry wood pellets midway through cooking for an additional punch of smokiness.
Alternative Cooking: If you don’t have a Ninja Woodfire, you can use any smoker or even an oven, but you’ll miss out on that authentic cherry wood flavour.
Storage Hack: Leftovers (if any!) can be shredded and tossed into a salad or wrap for an epic next-day meal.
Thank you for trying out this recipe! I hope it brings joy and flavour to your table. For more delicious recipes and BBQ tips, visit Smoke & Sear. Happy grilling! Cheers, Lee.