Description
Deliciously smoked chicken with a juicy interior and crispy skin, perfect for any barbecue or family gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Wood chips for smoking (hickory, apple, or cherry recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover the inside cavity as well.
- Let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the smoker heats up.
- Place the wood chips in the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the smoker is ready, place the chicken on the grill grates, breast side up.
- Close the smoker lid and smoke the chicken for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider brining the chicken in a saltwater solution for a few hours before seasoning.
- Experiment with different wood chips to find your preferred flavor profile.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Protein: 30
Keywords: smoked chicken, smoked whole chicken, BBQ chicken, grilling recipes, chicken recipes