(Its easier to rub meats on a rimmed baking sheet than on a cutting board.) We love smoking chicken at my house even when its simple smoked chicken wings or chicken drumsticks. If youre using cut-up chicken pieces, you can skip the giblet removal and rinsing steps. It is not necessary to wrap the chicken in foil. Cut any excess skin off of the chicken, and remove any gizzard bag, or innards. I like to stash up the extra meat and save it for other tasty meals like enchiladas, buffalo chicken dip, or on nachos. Spatchcocking the chicken prior to smoking is optional. Its easy! Related: Best 2 Burner Gas Grill Consumer Reports. When hes not cooking in the kitchen, Tad enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. Juicy Smoked Whole Chicken It's time to cook up a smoky and juicy whole chicken for your next BBQ. WHOLE SMOKED CHICKEN Every time I make whole smoked chicken, we start drooling about an hour into the smoke. What Temperature To Smoke A Chicken Set your smoker to 225F (107C). Theyre great for smoking large cuts of meat or multiple racks of ribs. You can also rub the chicken with the spices up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerate. Print Shop Ingredients Prep Time 10 Minutes Cook Time 3 Hours Pellets Mesquite Ingredients One whole or two halves will both cook in about the same time. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken, the type of smoker, and the temperature at that you are smoking. You can use smoked chicken in so many different recipes from soup to salad to sandwiches. Whole smoked chicken is so much better than chicken roasted in the oven or rotisserie. Get creative and try different spice blends, sauces, and side dishes. Open the lid, place the chicken on the grate, and close the lid right away. Remove chicken from the brine (if used) and pat dry. Stick it in the thickest part of the breast, and make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the smoker. If youre using a whole chicken, the first step is to remove the giblets. Remove the chicken from the smoker, tent with foil for 10 minutes, then slice and serve. During the smoking process, it is recommended to check the chicken and brush it with your favorite BBQ sauce for added flavor. For a heartier version, rub your chicken down with a lemon and herb blend. Once your chicken is fully cooked, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Before you put the chicken in the smoker, give it a good wash and trim off any loose fat and skin. Smoke it for 3-4 hours. Better than any rotisserie chicken youll buy at the grocer, smoking your own whole chicken simply cant be beat. Do note that a pouch will only last 90-120 minutes, so if you require a much longer cooking time then you will have to prepare at least one more bag of wood chips to swap in later. How long does to smoke a whole chicken? Once your smoker is preheated, its time to season your chicken. If using an electric smoker then be sure to insert them following your smokers directions. Remove backbone. That said, you can typically expect to smoke a whole chicken for about 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Just be sure to wrap the chicken tightly so it doesnt dry out. "The higher the temperature, the crispier the skin," says Matt . This size will ensure that your chicken cooks through evenly, wont take too long to smoke, and doesnt dry out. That said, I can give you some general tips to help you figure out the best time for smoking your chicken. How Long to Smoke a Whole Chicken Depending on the size of the bird and the temperature that it's cooked at, it can take anywhere from two to five hours to smoke a whole chicken. Brined over night in 50/50 mixture Ocean Spray Cranberry 100% and water,just enough to cover the bird in a stock pot,1/4 cup salt dissolved in with the liquid.Pulled it out this morning patted dry and onto the stand and then back into the fridge to fully dry.Pulled back out a couple of hours later and dusted with about a mason jar lids worth of . The total time to cook will vary based on the size of your chicken. Amount is based on available nutrient data. It depends on the size of the chicken and the type of smoker you are using. Anyone who has ever cooked a Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey will know how the latter can enhance the meats flavors. I prefer to smoke my chicken at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. The general rule is to smoke the chicken for 30 minutes per pound. The best way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer. Subscribe to our email newsletter to get a FREE Meat Temperature Guide and never miss a new recipe or deal! Coat the chicken with oil evenly, then season both the skin side and the bottom side with your preferred rub. Just be sure to keep the temperature around 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and use wood chips or pellets to create the smoke. Generously rub it with the seasoning mix. Wrap them in an aluminum foil pouch. Place your prepared chicken in the smoker. Its moist. Enjoy your smoked chicken, and dont forget to share any leftovers with your friends and family. 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper. For a larger group, you may want to smoke two chickens. Smoking one 4-pound chicken will take about 3 hours or 45 minutes per pound. Now that your chicken is cooked through, its time to slice and serve. Set up your smoker and get it to a steady 225. Smoking the chicken long and slow at a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit allows the meat to cook slowly and absorb the smoky flavor of the wood chips.Depending on the size of the whole chicken you are going to smoke, the cooking time may take anywhere from 2 to . How to Smoke a Chicken Smoking a whole chicken using this recipe can be a long but satisfying process with a delicious end result. Smoke until the chicken reaches 165F. This will help draw the smoke towards the chicken before then escaping the smoker. I like to do this the day before I plan to smoke the chicken. Stir until combined then transfer into a shaker container. Step By Step Guide. How Long Should I Leave the Smoked Whole Chicken On the Smoker? 1. Preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). A 4-pound chicken usually takes around 2-3 hours, but you have to keep checking the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure that it reaches 165F. If youre using a whole chicken, you can stuff the cavity with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs. Punch holes in the top for ventilation and so that the smoke that will emanate from the chips can escape. The best way to tell if your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Every time you open the door, heat escapes and it takes longer for the chicken to cook. Smoking meat is my absolute favorite way to prepare it. If you wake up in the morning and realize that you are smoking chicken today and you forgot to brine, you can do without. 1. Add about an inch of water or flavored liquid in the water bowl. If using a charcoal smoker, place this pouch immediately on top of the charcoals. It is important to note that smoking times are only estimates. Otherwise, it wont cook evenly. Just follow these simple steps and youll have a delicious, smoky chicken thats perfect for your next meal. Susie and her husband Todd run a family business that includes a line of signature BBQ rubs, sauces, and gadgets. While you can pick any flavor combination you like, I urge you to stay consistent with chicken and select an appropriate one that will match the meat perfectly. Cut-up chicken pieces can be smoked with or without the skin again, its up to you. You can brine chicken at least 4 hours in advance or overnight. Smoking a whole chicken is a great way to cook chicken when you are not in a big hurry. Before smoking the chicken, trim away any excess fat and skin. And thats it! This will make enough for a couple of whole chickens. https://millerscafehouston.com/ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, as well as to other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Learn how to capture that smoky, delicious goodness with my guide on how to smoke a whole chicken. If compared with other smoked recipes, it consumes much less time giving an incredible flavour. This cooking time is for a 4-pound chicken. Well, no, you dont HAVE to brine the chicken. I prefer to dry brine my chicken, but you can also rub it with a wet or dry rub. Take chicken off the smoker, place it on the cutting board and then, loosely tent it with a sheet of aluminum foil. When you have time to go low and slow, why not infuse your chicken with as much smoke flavor as you can? Chicken breast meat should be 165. How to smoke a whole chicken on the pellet grill 1. Season it with your favorite spices, and smoke it for 3-4 hours. Shoulder Roast vs Chuck Roast: What is Differences? Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through before removing it from the smoker. Once a steady temperature has been achieved, place the chicken, breast side up directly on the grill grates. Let the chicken rest What to serve with your smoked chicken Whole Smoked Chicken on a Pellet Grill How to prepare a whole chicken for smoking Quick note: smoking can often result in leathery skin, so my way to combat this is with a nice layer of olive oil on the outside of the chicken prior to the dry rub. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meat even more tender and flavorful. Aim to cook the chicken at 225F/110C for the best results. Yes, I personally believe that those are essential steps for my chicken and I would not have it any other way. Pellet smokers are easy to use and produce consistent results, making them a great option for beginners. If this is your first foray into meat smoking then be sure to check out my list of the best meats to smoke. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. The technique and skills you learn will bring your backyard cookouts to a new level. from our store, Patio Provisions, well happily ship it straight to your door! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, if you like, you can wrap it in foil for the last hour of smoking. FAQs of How long to smoke a whole chicken. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. This guide will teach you how long to smoke a whole chicken so that you can perfectly cook your chicken every time. With smoking we often talk about low and slow, which is exactly what it sounds like: Low cooking temperatures and long cooking times. The smoked chicken breast that Traeger delivers, at the end of the day, should be cooked at the same temperature and for the same length of time as the other two devices to achieve the . Spread the legs out and tuck the wings under to keep them in place. -Infuse the chicken with a flavor all over: To really infuse the chicken with flavor, try injections! Rinse a whole chicken. Apply the rub here too, to help get the flavors into the meat as much as possible. Its tender, incredibly juicy, and full of flavor. Let it rest 20-30 minutes before cutting into it. We also sell an award-winning Chicken Seasoning if you want something with a ton of flavor and just a touch of heat. Place the whole chicken on your preheated smoker. Directions Preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). This skin will also be soft, and not crispy. This recipe will serve 4-6 people, depending on how it is served. This whole chicken is brined, seasoned with our chicken rub, lemon, garlic, and fresh thyme, and mesquite-smoked for some smokin' flavor. I use a very simple brine when I smoke chicken because the chicken will have a spice rub coating and a stuffing that will give it good flavor. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. Susie Bulloch founded Hey Grill Hey in 2015 with one desire: To help people make better BBQ. If youd rather skip the sugar, another great rub for this smoked whole chicken is this Lemon Herb Chicken Seasoning. For most smokers, it will take about 2-3 hours to smoke a chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. -Offset smokers: These smokers have a firebox attached to one side, with the smoking chamber offset from the fire. So, try to resist the urge to peek! Perfect party dinner idea: Not only does a whole smoked chicken on a pellet grill require very little preparation time, but you can smoke one chicken for a small gathering or several chickens at once, depending on the size of your smoker. Once you have a feel for how long it takes to smoke a chicken, you can experiment with different sizes and smoking times. Similarly, if you cook a whole chicken to serve four persons, it would take 3 to 5 hours to smoke. Smoking a chicken at 225 degrees Fahrenheit will take about three to four hours. Nothings better than having a bunch of delicious smoked whole chicken ready to rock and roll for the remainder of the week. Remove chicken from the smoker, cover in foil, and allow to rest until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 10 minutes. Second, smokers temps are not always perfectly consistent, so if your temp drops a bit, you could be looking at a longer cook time. Then, let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really penetrate the meat. Close the lid and smoke for 3 1/2 - 4 hours. Trim off excess skin and fat. A smoked whole chicken is a great way to add some smoky flavor to your next meal! Close the lid right away and do not open it again until the chicken is done. If you would like to make your own rub then heres a simple recipe: Be sure when you apply the rub to thoroughly coat your chicken as much as possible, and dont forget to rub it in the inside cavity as well. -Avoid overcooking with the right thermometer: Use a digital meat thermometer to avoid overcooking your chicken. For a whole chicken I recommend making at least two spare. Take a few hours to brine the chicken for the best results, stuff it with some onion, garlic, and lemon, and finally, rub it with delicious chicken dry rub. Personally, I love apple. French Press Vs Pour Over: Which Method Makes Better Coffee? A smoked entire chicken's cooking time will vary depending on how you've prepared it, the temperature you've chosen, and the desired outcome. Brined chicken will always give you a better result so its worth to take that extra step. For more tips, check out this article on smoking chicken. The total cook time will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the cooking temperature. Get recipes, BBQ tips & regular discounts straight to your inbox! Otherwise, youll end up with a patchy flavor. There are so many delicious things you can serve with smoked chicken! Every time I make whole smoked chicken, we start drooling about an hour into the smoke. The danger of cooking chicken for a long time is itll be prone to drying out and as anyone can testify, dry chicken is no fun. Check out my guide to the best woods for smoking chicken. The lower temperature also gives the smoke time to infuse throughout the entire chicken. Finally the fun part. Theyre typically less expensive than other types of smokers, and theyre easy to use. Since then, Tad has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country, and he is now considered one of the top chefs in the industry. -Step 2: Season the Whole Chicken: -Stuff and tie early in the process: If youre going to stuff your chicken, do it early so the stuffing has time to cook all the way through. I find that it cooks more evenly without foil. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesnt burn! I like to use apple cider vinegar, but you can also use water, lemon juice, or white wine. The best temperature to smoke a whole chicken is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 350? However I promise that its worth the wait. -Smooth out the spice mix: If youre using a dry rub or spice mix, make sure its well-mixed before applying it to the chicken. This recipe for a smoked whole chicken rub is the perfect blend of spices to give your chicken a nice flavor. Chicken will take about 2 1/2 hours, depending on the size, and its done when it reaches 165. (Large size chicken could take up to 5 hours.). Starting at the tail end, cut along both sides of the backbone with kitchen shears. Mix paprika, chili powder, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt together in a large mixing bowl with a fork until thoroughly combined. Its juicy. Theyre easy to use and maintain, and theyre great for beginners. Combine all ingredients for the chicken rub in a small bowl and mix it well. The best way to tell if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Any seasoned smoker will tell you that pairing the right kind of wood chips with your chosen meat is key to the best results. If using a charcoal smoker, place this pouch immediately on top of the charcoals. Chicken rub stays on the skin but chicken brine does help flavor the meat internally. Cook for about 3 hours or until internal temperature of the thickest part is 165F and juices run clear. It depends on your smoker, the kind of charcoal youre using, the size of your chicken, and how hot your smoker is. Of course, youll want to breast up your chicken so it cooks more quickly. Once youve chosen your chicken, its time to prepare it for smoking. Stick it in the thickest part of the chicken breast, and make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Porterhouse vs Ribeye: What is the Difference? Just mix all of the ingredients together and rub them all over your chicken. This can take about 2-4 hours in total, but will ultimately depend on when the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165F (75C). I used to smoke two dozen birds every day and we always cut them all the way in half because we could get more on the racks if we separated all right on o e rack and all left on the other. Cut and serve. Pin 4.55 from 11 votes Smoked Whole Chicken This 4 1/2 pound bird took about 4 hours. The easiest way to know when your chicken is done is to use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. You can use a larger chicken if you like, but keep in mind that it will take longer to smoke. You can find more of my smoking and grilling recipes here on my website (browse the Homepagefor inspiration) onInstagram,YouTube or ourFacebook Page. Whats the best temp to smoke a whole chicken? Additionally, TheOnlineGrill.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce. This recipe works for any smoker or pellet grill. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Preheat Your Smoker To 225F Season The Whole Chicken Smoke Your Chicken Slice and Serve! Lightly oil the rack. Check your chicken about once every hour. Another thing to keep in mind is that the cooking time will also vary depending on how hot your smoker is running. How long does it take to smoke whole chicken at 225? I hope this gives you a better idea of how long to smoke a whole chicken. Smoking your chicken is a great way to save money on your food budget. There was an error submitting your subscription. The cooking time for a smoked whole chicken will depend on how you've prepared it, the temperature you've set, and the final product you're looking for. Place the chicken in the charcoal smoker. 2. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Avoid using strong-flavored woods like mesquite or hickory, as they can make your chicken taste bitter. Then, enjoy it with your favorite sides. Heres how to defrost chicken fast. For the cost of a full brisket, you'll get annual access to an exclusive BBQ community, Pitmaster Classes, discounts, and much much more! That's around the time when the chicken starts to give out its amazing aroma, filling the air in the backyard and on the patio. Its unlike anything else youll have ever tasted before. How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 275? 3. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Cook for about 4 hours, or until cooked through. Finally, its important to note that you shouldnt open the smoker door too frequently while the chicken is cooking. Food & Drink Grill & BBQ Coffee Microwave, Phone: 713-658-0400 Email: millerscafehouston.com@gmail.com Address: 1001 McKinney St Ste B4 Houston, Texas, Texas, US 77002, Camp Chef vs Traeger: Pellet Grill comparison, If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Place your seasoned chicken in your smoker and cook for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165 degrees. (large chicken can take up to 5 hours.) For the brine, simply combine salt, sugar, and lemon slices in 2 quarts of water until its dissolved. How long to bake chicken drumsticks at 400? This recipe is for a basic smoked chicken, but you can add whatever seasonings you like to customize the flavor. If you have any smoked chicken leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Enjoy your whole smoked chicken as is, or use it in sandwiches, salads, or casserole dishes. I absolutely love a whole smoked chicken with a good sweet rub. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. I'd like to receive the free email course. You can use either a whole chicken or cut-up chicken pieces for smoking its up to you! I would recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken before serving. Place the whole chicken in your Traeger and cook at it at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-60 minutes. Keep in mind that the internal temperature of the chicken will continue to rise after its been removed from the smoker, so youll want to take it out when its about 5-10 degrees lower than your target temperature. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. The whole smoking process will take about 45 minutes per pound of chicken. Remove the chicken from the smoker, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. Set up your smoker and get it to a steady 225. Soak your wood chips in water for one hour. Cooking chicken at a low(ish . Yes, you can make smoked chicken without a smoker. You can also use this rub on chicken breasts, thighs, or wings. It takes 3-4 hours to smoke a chicken. Sure, they take a long time but this is par for the course when it comes to BBQ smoking. At 275F, it takes about 30 minutes for every 1 pound of chicken, so do your math here and keep checking on the chicken! Some of the best woods for smoking chicken are apple, cherry, hickory, and pecan. Heres what youll need to do: This is important! Drizzle chicken with olive oil and season on all sides with the sweet rub. Just like with a BBQ grill, we want to wait until the coals have turned from completely black to a slightly gray ash-like color. As a chef, Tad Johnson has always been fascinated by the way food can bring people together. It doesn't overpower the chicken flavor. HOW LONG TO SMOKE A WHOLE CHICKEN Chicken Scatchcocked Internal temperature must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit after 40 to 50 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, finish it off in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Mix paprika, chili powder, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt together in a large mixing bowl with a fork until thoroughly combined. Again, this all depends on the specific smoker and chicken youre using. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines youll want to keep an eye on your chicken as it smokes, and make sure its cooked through before serving. I don't recommend rubbing in your seasoning because it will just pull back on the skin and your seasoning will chunk. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a04a195f11135e04e4003d634e89f230" );document.getElementById("a34728bea9").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If youre using a whole chicken, be sure to remove the giblets before smoking. -Charcoal smokers: Charcoal smokers use charcoal as their fuel source. The size of your chicken will ultimately determine your cooking time. How long to smoke a whole chicken at 250 degrees? If youre smoking a chicken for the first time, I recommend starting with a 4-pound chicken. During shorter smokes like that, I just sit on the patio and hang out. How Long Does It Take to Smoke a Chicken? What we achieve with this process is we allow the chicken to absorb the rich smoky aromas of the wood while also letting the chicken cook in its own juices. But the aroma of the food cooking is not as overwhelming as the scent smacking you in the face when you first open the lid. These beautiful skinless fillets are rich in omega. Smoking whole chicken is one of the easiest ways to add some smoky flavor to your food. A smoking whole chicken is a great way to add some smoky flavor to your next meal! Just rub your chicken down with a spice blend, smoke it for 3-4 hours, and enjoy! Preheat your smoker to 225F/110C. Mix them in a saucepan. Heres how to smoke a whole chicken. Turn the breast so it's facing up. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Unlike a brisket or a pork butt, which takes 10 plus hours to cook, you can smoke a chicken in under 2 hours. One whole chicken should be enough to feed a family of four with leftovers. Push down on each side of the breast with your hands until you hear it crack; press to flatten. Thanks for reading, and happy smoking! If your chicken is larger or smaller, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thus, smoking whole chicken in an electric smoker is simple and full of fun. Now that youve got your chicken all rubbed down, its time to smoke it! Take a few hours to brine the chicken, then it's stuffed with some onion, garlic, and lemon, and finally, rubbed with delicious chicken dry rub. Why should you be preparing your whole chickens in a smoker? Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour water into a large pot that is big enough to keep your chicken submerged in brine. -A 5 to 6-pound chicken will take about 4 hours. Fire up the smoker to 250F 2. Smoke whole chicken the easy way with this electric smoker recipe. before smoking. -Gas smokers: Gas smokers use propane or natural gas as their fuel source. Or, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Punch holes in the top for ventilation. 5 from 2 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes Course: Main Course I like to cook my chicken on a pellet grill at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. (2 quarts cold water, 1/3 cup non-iodized salt, 1/4 cup sugar) Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to 325 degrees if your smoker can do it. This encourages the meat to absorb the water, leaving it moist when cooked. To date she has created over 550 recipes that millions of people cook every month, making Hey Grill Hey a name synonymous with amazing BBQ. Then, serve it with a green salad. Place the chicken in the smoker, and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until cooked through. MASTER IT. Chicken doesnt take a long time to smoke, even a whole chicken will take 2.5-5 hours. It also varies according on the temperature. Also, no less crucial is to separate the chicken breast skin from the meat by pulling them. Smoking a whole chicken takes needs to be cooked at 225F (107C), and takes about 45 minutes per pound of meat. So, how do you go about smoking a whole chicken? No, it will not. Just place it in a baking dish and heat it in the oven at 325F until its heated through. Yes, you can use either a gas or charcoal grill to smoke chicken. Just remember to keep an eye on your chicken as it smokes, and pull it off the smoker when its cooked through. Great rub for a whole smoked chicken. 3. A crucial but often neglected part of meat cooking is seasoning, and the same is true when it comes to meat smoking. Place your chicken in the smoker, breast side up, and close the lid. Including Guinness BBQ sauce, Irish corned beef recipes, Guinness pork ribs,, Smoked tilapia lightly seasoned and cooked low and slow over alder wood. People often wonder how long to smoke a whole chicken. Choose the perfect wood chip type, and you can elevate the taste profile of your meal perfectly. Tads culinary career began at a young age when he started working in his familys restaurant. Remove your soaked wood chips from the water and dry off any excess water. Lightly pull the breast skin from the flesh. . And, yep, its smokey. Take the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, beer, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Step 2 - Cutting the Chicken Next prepare your chicken. If you want crispy skin on your chicken, increase the heat in your smoker to 375-500 degrees F for the final 8-10 degree climb. The lower temperature will give you a more tender and moist chicken. Its economical! Its tender, incredibly juicy, and full of flavor. If youre smoking a smaller chicken or one that is mostly dark meat, it may only take 1-2 hours. The method above will give your bird a smoky flavor, but may not result in crispy skin if not roasted at a higher temperature. It will take between 2 and 4 hours. Or, you can shred the chicken and add it to a soup or stew. Smoke at about 250 F/120 C until the temperature at the center of the chicken breast reaches about 185 F/85 C and the thighs reach 195 . He loves to experiment with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen, and he takes great pride in serving up delicious dishes that his guests will love. Compared to other forms of chicken it also makes for great leftovers, which can then in turn be used for a whole range of recipes, from wraps to salads, and even soups. How To Smoke A Whole Chicken (4 Easy Steps). Smoke chicken in the preheated smoker until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, reads 140 degrees F (60 degrees C), about 3 1/2 hours. Chicken will take about 2 1/2 hours, depending on the size, and its done when it reaches 165. -A 7 to 8-pound chicken will take about 5 hours. If you are using the direct heat method, it will take 2-3 hours. Once your chicken is prepped, its time to season it. Preheat smoker to 220F. (Its easier to rub meats on a rimmed baking sheet than on a cutting board.). These are just a few of the many ways you can smoke a whole chicken. Soak the chicken in a simple brine for 4 hours. Stir in salt, sugar, and lemon slices and let salt and sugar dissolve. And its so easy to make! Then, serve it with a red potato salad. We love a good rub, dont you? Itll be just as delicious as the first time around! Nowhere is this more true than with a whole chicken. Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, The BBQ Beat, and never miss a new recipe! Smoke it for 3-4 hours. Carefully submerge chicken into the brine solution and make sure its fully covered. According to your own taste preferences you can easily season with just salt and pepper, but I strongly recommend investing in a dry rub. It contains smoked paprika (a seasoning game-changer), fresh herbs, and lemon zest for a refreshing final flavor. Types of wood for smoking chicken: apple, pecan, maple, cherry. If you want to buy some pre-made Signature Sweet Rub (available in both small and large bottles!) There are a few different things you can spritz your chicken with. Whole chicken often goes on sale at the store (the one I used for this recipe only cost $5.00). The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When the smoker reaches 220F, put the chicken on the rack. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit when it is done cooking. I prefer to smoke whole chicken at 250 F / 121 C. This temperature is not too hot and not too cool. Its very hard to resist biting right into the chicken, right there on the smoker. -Pellet smokers: These smokers use compressed wood pellets as their fuel source. Now you know how to smoke a whole chicken. Smoked whole chicken is what you need to have in your life today. How Long Does It Take to Smoke a Chicken? If your smoker vents are adjustable, open them to about 50%-75% of the way open and try to position them over the top of the chicken. In most cases this means about 4 hours for an average sized chicken. Next, youll want to rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water. Your email address will not be published. Get that skin crisp 6. For more detailed instructions, check out this smoked chicken recipe. If you want crispier skin, you can finish your chicken off in the oven. Get it to a steady temperature of 225 degrees F. Electric smokers are easy to use and produce consistent results. Top 11 Best Electric Coffee Percolators Consumer Reports? Also, if you want crispy skin on your chicken, increase the heat on your smoker for the final 8-10 degrees (aim for 375-400 degrees). Serve it with macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or any of your other favorite side dishes. -Make sure theres enough ventilation: Good ventilation is key when smoking chicken. You want your smoker to be nice and hot before you put your chicken in. Wrap both in an aluminum foil pouch each. On average, it takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to smoke a whole chicken on a smoker if you're cooking in the 300 F range. Review. (Overnight at the most.). It takes about 2-4 hours to smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees. Bring the legs together and tie them with cooking twine. Cook the chicken breasts in the preheated smoker until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 4 hours, adding maple wood chips as needed to maintain the smoke flowing continuously throughout the cooking process. If you are using a charcoal smoker then aim to light it at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. Check your chicken about once every hour but ensure not to check your chicken more than this. Thanks for reading, and happy smoking! If using an electric smoker then be sure to insert them following your smokers directions. You can use a syringe to inject a flavorful marinade directly into the meat. This will give you a good idea of how long it takes to smoke chicken without having to worry about overcooking or undercooking your chicken. Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker To 225F Get the heat going in the smoker you're using for this delicious chicken. 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