I. Introduction
If you’re a fan of barbequed chicken, then smoked whole chicken is a must-try if you haven’t already. Smoking a whole chicken offers a wonderful smoky flavor and a juicy taste that will leave everybody raving. In this article, we’ll guide you through various ways of smoking a whole chicken so that you can pick the style that suits you best. We’ll begin with the classic way and then move on to marinating the bird before smoking, the perfect pit-style chicken, smoking without oil or butter, and more. You’ll learn to smoke a whole chicken like a pro!
II. The Classic Way: Perfectly Smoked Whole Chicken Recipe
The classic way of smoking a whole chicken is perfect for beginners and veterans alike. For this, you’ll need a smoker, a whole chicken, wood chips, and your favorite rub. Here’s how to go about it:
1. Preheat your smoker. If you’re using an electric smoker, you can set the temperature to 225°F. With other types of smokers, ensure you have achieved a consistent temperature before putting your chicken in.
2. Remove the chicken from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat and trims.
3. Apply your favorite rub to the chicken’s skin. An excellent recipe is a mixture of paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
4. Place the chicken on the grate, breast side up. Add wood chips according to your preference. We recommend hickory wood chips for poultry. But you can experiment with other types of woods such as apple, cherry, or mesquite for a more complex flavor.
5. Smoke the chicken for about 3-4 hours or until its internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature near the inner thigh, not touching the bone. Once it’s ready, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving.
That’s it! You’re ready to enjoy your perfectly smoked whole chicken.
III. Marinating the Bird: How to Infuse Flavor into Your Smoked Whole Chicken
If you want to take your smoked chicken up a notch, try marinating it first to give it an extra boost of flavor. Here are some marinade ideas:
1. Lemon Garlic Marinade- mix 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of thyme, and 1 tablespoon of rosemary. Marinade for at least an hour before smoking.
2. Soy Ginger Marinade- mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of ginger, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Marinade for at least three hours before smoking.
3. Spicy Cajun Marinade- mix 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of hot chilies marinade sauce. Marinade for at least three hours before smoking.
IV. BBQ Pitmasters: Tips and Tricks for the Pit-Style Whole Chicken
If you want to venture into using a pit-style smoker, there are a few tips and tricks you need to know:
1. Season the Chicken Properly – Before smoking the whole chicken, ensure you season it appropriately with your favorite dry rub or marinade. This helps to add flavor to the meat and seal in moisture.
2. Prep Your Pit – Set up your pit smoker with charcoal and wood chips. Ensure that you maintain a temperature of 225°F and use an indirect heat setup to allow even cooking. It takes around 4-5 hours to smoke a whole chicken in a pit smoker properly, and you need to flip it halfway through cooking.
3. Choose the Perfect Wood – The type of wood affects the flavor of the meat. We recommend using fruitwood such as apple, cherry, and peach, to give the chicken a sweet and smoky flavor.
V. A Healthier Twist: Smoking Your Whole Chicken without Oil or Butter
If you want to take a healthier approach, smoking a whole chicken without oil or butter is a great option. Here are some suggestions for spices and rubs:
1. Lemon and Herb Rub- mix lemon zest, salt, pepper, chopped thyme, sage, and rosemary. Coat the chicken generously and smoke as usual.
2. Mustard and Spices Rub- mix unsweetened mustard, salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture on the chicken’s skin and smoke as usual.
No matter which rub or seasoning mix you choose, you’ll still achieve a deliciously smoked whole chicken that’s also relatively healthy.
VI. The Versatile Whole Chicken: How to Smoke It to Fit Your Meal Plan
Smoked whole chicken is versatile and can be used in various recipes. Here are some dishes you can make using the smoked chicken:
1. Smoked Chicken Salad – Shred the smoked chicken and mix with your favorite salad toppings like chopped lettuce, avocado, and tomatoes. Dress with ranch dressing or your favorite vinaigrette and enjoy.
2. Smoked Chicken Sandwich – Slice the chicken and serve it between two burger buns, along with your favorite toppings such as sliced tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and cheese.
3. Smoked Chicken Tacos – Shred the chicken and serve in tacos with salsa, diced onions, and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime over the top to bring out the flavors.
VII. Making the Most of Your Leftovers: How to Smoke a Whole Chicken for Meal-Prepping
Smoking a whole chicken is affordable and can stretch throughout the week. Here are some ideas for reusing leftover smoked chicken:
1. Chicken Salad – Shred leftover smoked chicken and use it to prepare chicken salad for lunch during the week. Add in chopped celery, mayo, and green onions, then serve on crackers or top bread.
2. Chicken Soup – Make chicken soup by using leftover smoked chicken bones. Add in your favorite mix of vegetables, such as carrots, celery, onions, and peppers, to create a warm, hearty meal.
VIII. Something Different: Smoked Beer Can Chicken with Your Preferred Craft Beer
Another way to smoke a whole chicken is by using a combination of your preferred craft beer and a unique technique. It’s incredibly simple; just follow these steps:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add your preferred wood chips.
2. Open a can of your favorite beer and pour out approximately half of it. Insert the beer can (or a vertical beer can holder) inside the chicken’s cavity.
3. Coat the chicken with a seasoning of your liking, and place it on the smoker, standing up with the beer can inside the chicken. Smoke for approximately 2-3 hours or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
You’ll have a juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy skin and infused with your craft beer’s unique flavor.
IX. Conclusion
Overall, there are various ways to smoke a whole chicken as we’ve seen. Whether you’re a new or experienced grill master, you can choose a method to suit your needs. Stick to the classic approach, try marinating your chicken to enhance flavor, use a pit smoker, produce a healthier chicken without oils and butter or even get adventurous with smoked beer can chicken. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to get a mouth-watering, delicious meal that is easy and affordable to make.
