Ever wish dinner would cook itself while still giving you real bark and deep smoke? A good smoker makes that happen with low heat, steady airflow, and no need to hover. The recipes here rely on easy prep, predictable timing, and that slow-build flavor you get only from hours in the pit. Take a look at how these dishes turn low-stress cooking into steady, smoky wins.

Close-up of seasoned and roasted chicken drumsticks with garnish.
Smoked Leg Quarters with Grilled Avocado, Scallion, and Red Onion. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Cajun Smoked Turkey Wings

Cajun smoked turkey wings with spicy seasoning and crisp skin.
Cajun Smoked Turkey Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke tightens the skin while Cajun seasoning brings sharp heat. The long cook keeps the meat juicy down to the bone.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Smoked Turkey Wings

Smoked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Smoked turkey tenderloin with a smoky exterior and juicy center.
Smoked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Gentle smoke protects the lean tenderloin and keeps it moist. The quick cook makes timing straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Smoked Tri-Tip

Smoked tri-tip with a dark crust and juicy pink center.
Smoked Tri-Tip. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Even heat builds a smoky crust while the center stays rosy and tender. We rely on a short rest for clean slicing.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tri-Tip

Smoked Rack of Pork

Smoked rack of pork with a golden crust and juicy interior.
Smoked Rack of Pork. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low smoke browns the exterior while keeping the chops juicy. The rack cooks evenly, giving predictable doneness across every bone.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Rack of Pork

Smoked Beef Shank Over the Top Chili Recipe

Smoked beef shank chili cooked thick with deep smoky flavor.
Smoked Beef Shank Over the Top Chili Recipe. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke drips straight into the pot, enriching the chili with bold flavor. The shank breaks down cleanly for steady texture.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Beef Shank Over the Top Chili Recipe

Smoked Cornish Hens

Smoked Cornish hens with crisp skin and juicy meat.
Smoked Cornish Hens. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Small birds absorb smoke fast, turning out crisp skin and juicy meat. Their size keeps timing tight and manageable.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cornish Hens

Smoked Half Chickens

Smoked half chickens with bronzed skin and juicy meat.
Smoked Half Chickens. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Halved birds cook evenly, picking up smoke quickly and staying moist. We finish them with a burst of heat for crisp skin.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Half Chickens

Smoked Picnic Shoulder

Smoked picnic shoulder cooked low and slow until shreddable.
Smoked Picnic Shoulder. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Long smoke softens the shoulder into tender, pull-apart meat. The steady heat keeps the cook predictable from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Picnic Shoulder

Smoked Pork Crown Roast

Smoked pork crown roast cooked until the crust is golden and the meat tender.
Smoked Pork Crown Roast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke browns the edges while keeping the interior tender. The crown shape helps the roast cook evenly.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Crown Roast

Smoked Pork Spare Ribs

Smoked pork spare ribs with a dark bark and tender pull.
Smoked Pork Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Steady smoke loosens the ribs until they pull clean from the bone. Even heat eliminates guesswork.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Spare Ribs

Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle Bourbon Glaze

Smoked pork belly burnt ends glazed in maple chipotle bourbon sauce.
Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle Bourbon Glaze. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Low heat melts the pork belly before the glaze turns sticky and bold. High heat at the end keeps the edges crisp.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Maple Chipotle Bourbon Glaze

Smoked Brisket Chili

Smoked brisket chili simmered thick with smoky brisket pieces.
Smoked Brisket Chili. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoked brisket enriches the pot with deep, smoky flavor. The simmer thickens steadily for a hearty finish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brisket Chili

Maple Glazed Smoked Turkey Thighs

Maple glazed smoked turkey thighs cooked until caramelized and tender.
Maple Glazed Smoked Turkey Thighs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Thighs stay moist under long smoke while the maple glaze caramelizes. The cutโ€™s natural fat keeps timing flexible.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Smoked Turkey Thighs

Smoked Duck Legs

Smoked duck legs with browned skin and tender meat.
Smoked Duck Legs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke renders the fat and crisps the skin. The legs stay rich and tender thanks to controlled heat.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Duck Legs

Smoked Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill

Smoked prime rib cooked on a pellet grill with a smoky crust.
Smoked Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Pellet control keeps the roast at steady temp for a perfect rosy center. A high finish builds a smoky crust.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib on a Pellet Grill

Rosemary Garlic Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast

Smoked boneless turkey breast with rosemary, garlic, and a bronzed finish.
Rosemary Garlic Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Fragrant smoke protects this lean cut and locks in moisture. Resting gives you clean, even slices.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Garlic Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast

Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon

Smoked cedar plank salmon with a tender flaky interior and smoky aroma.
Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

The cedar plank shields the flesh so it stays tender and smoky. Low heat prevents overcooking.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cedar Plank Salmon

Smoked Leg of Lamb

Smoked leg of lamb cooked until tender with a bronzed crust.
Smoked Leg of Lamb. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Slow smoke builds a deep crust while the interior stays juicy. We use steady heat for reliable carving.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Leg of Lamb

Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

Smoked chicken drumsticks with crisp skin and tender meat.
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke tightens the skin while keeping the drumsticks juicy underneath. A short finish adds crisp bite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Drumsticks

Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs

Spare ribs smoked Memphis style with dark bark and tender pull.
Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

A dry rub and clean smoke create bark with strong flavor. Low heat brings the ribs to tender, consistent pull.
Get the Recipe: Memphis Style Smoked Spare Ribs

Jalapeno Smoked Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese smoked with jalapeรฑos creating creamy spicy dish.
Jalapeno Smoked Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Smoke melts into the sauce while jalapeรฑo adds heat. The low cook keeps the pasta from drying out.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Smoked Mac and Cheese

Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce

Pork ribs smoked with hickory glaze and deep bark forming.
Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Hickory adds sharp smoke while the ribs soften to clean pull. The sauce finishes glossy without burning.
Get the Recipe: Hickory Smoked Pork Ribs with Paleo BBQ Sauce

Smoked Leg Quarters with Grilled Avocado, Scallion, and Red Onion

Leg quarters smoked and plated with grilled avocado and scallions.
Smoked Leg Quarters with Grilled Avocado, Scallion, and Red Onion. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Leg quarters stay tender under slow smoke before the vegetables char hot. The mix brings bold smoke and bright grill flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Leg Quarters with Grilled Avocado, Scallion, and Red Onion

Categories:

About the Author

Kita Roberts is the meat maven and award-winning recipe developer behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, with 15+ years of grilling, smoking, and cooking experience. Her recipes are tested on everything from backyard grills to professional smokers – and always built for real home cooks.
As the lead creative force behind Girl Carnivoreยฎ, she is widely recognized as an authority on all things meat.

SUBSCRIBE!

Signup and get free recipes sent to your inbox every week!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *