How to Smoke Whole Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Smoking a whole chicken is a delicious and impressive way to cook a bird. It infuses the meat with a rich, smoky flavor and results in tender, juicy meat. But smoking a whole chicken can seem daunting to those who have never done it before. Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, smoking a whole chicken is a straightforward process that anyone can do.

One of the keys to smoking a whole chicken is to properly prepare the bird beforehand. This can involve brining the chicken in salt water for up to 24 hours to help it retain its moisture during the smoking process. It’s also important to add seasoning or a drizzle of olive oil to the chicken prior to smoking to enhance its flavor. Once the chicken is prepared, it can be smoked using a variety of methods, such as the beer can method or using a special Chicken Throne. With a little practice and patience, anyone can learn how to smoke a whole chicken to perfection.

Preparing the Chicken

Before smoking a whole chicken, it is important to properly prepare it. There are a few key steps that will ensure your chicken is flavorful and juicy.

Brining the Chicken

One of the most important steps in preparing a whole chicken for smoking is brining. Brining involves soaking the chicken in salt water for several hours. This helps the chicken retain moisture during the smoking process, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

To brine a whole chicken, you will need:

• 1 gallon of water
• 1 cup of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large container until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Add the chicken to the brine, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for best results.

Dry Rub

In addition to brining, you can also add a dry rub to your chicken for extra flavor. A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that is rubbed onto the chicken before smoking.

To make a simple dry rub, you will need:

• 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon of onion powder

Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub the dry rub all over the chicken, making sure to get it into all of the crevices.

Other Preparations

Before smoking the chicken, there are a few other preparations you should make. First, wash the chicken thoroughly under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess brine or dry rub.

If you want to speed up the cooking time, you can also spatchcock the chicken. This involves removing the backbone and flattening the chicken out, which allows it to cook more evenly and quickly.

Finally, make sure the chicken is at room temperature before smoking. This will help it cook more evenly and prevent the outside from burning while the inside is still raw.

Smoking the Chicken

When it comes to smoking a whole chicken, there are a few key steps to keep in mind. In this section, we’ll walk you through the process of smoking a chicken from start to finish.

Preheating the Smoker

Before you begin smoking your chicken, you’ll want to preheat your smoker. This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and that it develops that delicious smoky flavor.

To preheat your smoker, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your smoker and set the temperature to 225°F.
2. Allow the smoker to preheat for at least 30 minutes before adding your chicken.

Adding Wood Chips

Once your smoker is preheated, it’s time to add your wood chips. The type of wood you choose can have a big impact on the flavor of your chicken.

Some of the best woods for smoking chicken include apple, pecan, maple, and cherry. You can also experiment with different wood blends to find the perfect flavor for your taste buds.

To add your wood chips, follow these steps:

1. Soak your wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker.
2. Place the wood chips in the smoker box or on top of the heating element.
3. Close the smoker lid and wait for the smoke to start.

Smoking the Chicken

Now that your smoker is preheated and your wood chips are ready to go, it’s time to start smoking your chicken.

To smoke your chicken, follow these steps:

1. Place your chicken on the smoker rack or use the beer can method to keep it upright.
2. Insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to monitor the internal temperature.
3. Close the smoker lid and let the chicken smoke for 2.5-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Use a fork to check the tenderness of the chicken. If it’s tender and juicy, it’s ready to eat!

Remember to keep an eye on the smoker temperature and add more wood chips as needed to maintain the smoke. With a little patience and practice, you’ll be smoking delicious whole chickens in no time!

Finishing Touches

Applying BBQ Sauce

Once your chicken has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Applying BBQ sauce is a great way to add some extra flavor and moisture to your smoked chicken. Here are some tips for applying BBQ sauce:

• Use a brush to apply the sauce evenly to the chicken.
• Apply the sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, apply multiple layers of sauce and let each layer dry for a few minutes before applying the next.

Letting the Chicken Rest

After your chicken is done cooking, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Here’s how to let your chicken rest:

1. Remove the chicken from the smoker and place it on a cutting board.
2. Tent the chicken with foil to keep it warm.
3. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting into it.

During this time, you can prepare any sides or toppings you plan on serving with your chicken.

Juices Run Clear

One way to tell if your chicken is done cooking is to check the color of the juices. When the chicken is fully cooked, the juices should run clear. To check for clear juices, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The temperature should read 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.

Remember, the key to a perfectly smoked whole chicken is taking your time and paying attention to the details. With these finishing touches, your smoked chicken will be juicy, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions

Once your smoked whole chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some suggestions to make the most out of your delicious smoked chicken.

What to Serve with Smoked Chicken

• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions make a great side dish for smoked chicken. Simply toss them in olive oil and seasonings, and grill them alongside the chicken.

• Potato Salad: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with smoked chicken. Try a creamy potato salad with bacon and chives for a delicious combination.

• Cornbread: Nothing beats the combination of smoked chicken and warm, buttery cornbread. Serve it up on the side for a comforting and satisfying meal.

• Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw is a great way to balance out the rich flavor of smoked chicken. Try a vinegar-based coleslaw for a tangy twist.

• Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans are a classic side dish for any barbecue meal. They pair perfectly with smoked chicken and add a touch of sweetness to the meal.

Presentation Ideas

• Whole Chicken: For a rustic and impressive presentation, serve the whole smoked chicken on a large platter. Let your guests carve their own pieces of meat for a fun and interactive meal.

• Sliced Chicken: For a more traditional presentation, slice the chicken into pieces and arrange them on a platter. This makes it easy for guests to grab a piece of chicken without having to carve it themselves.

• Garnishes: Add some color and flavor to your presentation with garnishes such as fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or sliced avocado. This not only looks beautiful but also adds some extra flavor to the meal.

Overall, serving smoked whole chicken is a great way to impress your guests and enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal.