Smoking a whole chicken can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
With this easy smoked whole chicken recipe, you’ll be able to create a tender and juicy bird that’s perfect for any occasion.
Our smoked chicken recipe walks you through the process step-by-step, so you’ll have no trouble at all smoking your own chicken. Plus, we’ve included tips and tricks to ensure that your bird comes out perfect every time.
How To Prep A Whole Chicken For Smoking
1. Start by removing the giblets and neck from the chicken. Rinse the bird inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Next, season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. If you’re using a rub or marinade, now is the time to apply it.
3. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag and pour in your desired marinade. Massage the bag to ensure that the chicken is well coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
4. When you’re ready to smoke the chicken, set up your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Preheat to 225 degrees F.
5. Remove the whole chicken from the marinade and place it on the smoker, breast-side up. Smoke for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
6. Allow the smoked chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Enjoy!
How To Smoke A Whole Chicken
There are a few things you’ll need to get started smoking a whole chicken:
- A smoker
- Wood chips (preferably hickory, apple, or cherry)
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- A meat thermometer
1. Start by soaking the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. While the chips are soaking, prepare your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Set it up for indirect heat and preheat to 225 degrees F.
3. Wrap a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil around the bottom of the smoker’s drip pan. This will help to catch any runoff from the chicken and keep your smoker clean.
4. Drain the wood chips and place them in the smoker’s chip box. Place the chicken on the smoker, breast-side up.
5. Close the smoker lid and allow the whole chicken to smoke for about 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
6. Remove the chicken from the smoker and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Enjoy!
Smoked Whole Chicken Rub
Ingredients:
- 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the whole chicken, making sure to get into every nook and cranny.
3. Place the chicken in a large resealable bag and pour in your desired marinade. Massage the bag to ensure that the chicken is well coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
4. When you’re ready to smoke the chicken, set up your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Preheat to 225 degrees F.
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the smoker, breast-side up. Smoke for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
How Long Does it Take to Smoke Chicken?
It typically takes about 2 hours to smoke a whole chicken at a temperature of 225 degrees F. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and weight of your bird, as well as the type of smoker you’re using. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked before serving.
Now that you know how to smoke a whole chicken, you can impress your friends and family with this delicious and succulent dish. The best part is that it’s really easy to prepare, and the smoker does all the work for you.
Simply follow these simple instructions, and in no time you’ll have a tender and juicy chicken that’s perfect for a summer BBQ or dinner party.
Tips for the Best Smoked Whole Chicken
There are a few things you can do to make sure your smoked whole chicken turns out perfect every time:
1. Choose the right wood chips. Hickory, apple, and cherry wood chips are all great options for smoking chicken.
2. Make sure your smoker is set up for indirect heat. To prevent the chicken from burning, the smoker should be running at a temperature of 225 degrees F.
3. Rub the chicken with a spice mixture before smoking it. This will add flavor and help to keep the bird moist while it’s cooking.
4. Let the smoked chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This will give the juices a chance to redistribute and will result in a more juicy chicken.
Best Wood for Smoking Chicken
When it comes to smoking chicken, there are a few different types of wood that you can use. Each type of wood will impart its own unique flavor to the chicken, so it’s important to choose the right one. Here are a few of our favorite woods for smoking chicken:
Hickory – Hickory is a strong and smoky wood that is perfect for smoking chicken. It goes well with a variety of marinades and rubs and will add a lot of flavor to your dish.
Apple – Apple is a sweet and fruity wood that is great for smoking chicken. It pairs well with savory spices and will give your chicken a delicious smoky flavor.
Cherry – Cherry is a light and sweet wood that is perfect for smoking chicken. It goes well with a variety of seasonings and will give your dish a slightly tart flavor.
Now that you know which woods are best for smoking chicken, you can start experimenting with different chicken recipes and flavors. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to create the perfect smoked chicken dish every time.
What To Serve With Your Smoked Chicken
Once you’ve cooked up a delicious smoked whole chicken, you’ll need to decide what to serve it with. Here are a few of our favorite sides that go well with smoked chicken:
- Grilled vegetables – Grilled vegetables are the perfect side dish for a smoked whole chicken. They’re healthy, flavorful, and go well with just about any type of sauce or seasoning.
- Potato salad – Potato salad is a classic side dish that goes well with smoked chicken. It’s easy to prepare and can be made with a variety of different ingredients.
- Green beans – Green beans are a healthy and delicious side dish that goes well with a smoked whole chicken. They’re easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of different ways.
- BBQ beans – BBQ beans are a must-have side dish for any BBQ. They’re easy to make and go well with just about any type of protein.
- Coleslaw – Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes well with chicken. It’s easy to make and can be made with a variety of different ingredients.
- Corn on the cob – Corn on the cob is a classic BBQ side dish that goes well with smoked chicken. It’s easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of different ways.
- Rolls and butter – Of course, you can’t have a BBQ without rolls and butter. These are two of our favorite side dishes, and they go well with just about any type of protein.
With so many different options to choose from, you’re sure to find a dish that everyone will love. So fire up the smoker and get cooking!
Smoked Whole Chicken FAQ:
How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees?
It takes about 2-4 hours to smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees.
The time it takes to smoke a whole chicken will vary depending on the size of the chicken, the temperature of the smoker, and the humidity level in the smoker. Generally, it takes about 2-4 hours to smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees.
How long do whole chickens take to smoke?
It takes about 2-4 hours to smoke a whole chicken. The time will vary depending on the size of the chicken, the type of smoker you’re using, and the temperature of the smoker. It’s a good idea to check on your smoked chicken every hour or so to make sure it’s cooking evenly and not burning.
How long does it take to smoke a 5lb chicken at 225?
A 5lb chicken at 225 degrees Fahrenheit will take approximately 2 -4 hours to smoke.
When smoking a chicken, it’s important to use a smoker that is set to a low temperature (225 degrees Fahrenheit) in order to produce moist, tender meat. Additionally, you’ll want to brine your chicken before smoking it in order to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
In terms of timing, it will generally take around 2-4 hours for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit – at which point it is safe to eat. However, we recommend allowing the chicken to smoke for an additional 20-30 minutes in order to achieve that nice, crispy chicken skin.
How do you keep chicken moist when smoking?
There are a few ways to keep chicken moist when smoking. One is to brine the chicken before smoking it, which will help it retain moisture during the cooking process. You can also smoke the chicken slowly at a low temperature, which will help keep it from drying out.
And finally, you can baste the chicken with bbq sauce, juice, or chicken broth during the smoking process to keep it moist.
Wrapping Up Your Whole Smoked Chicken
The final result was a delicious smoked whole chicken that was cooked perfectly. We can’t wait to make this again and experiment with different flavors.
If you are looking for an easy smoked whole chicken recipe, then give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed! Stay tuned for more delicious recipes!
Smoked Whole Chicken Recipe
This smoked chicken recipe is easy to follow and will have you smoking your own bird in no time. We've included tips for getting the most out of it as well so that everyone gets an amazing meal!
Ingredients
- 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
Instructions
- Start by removing the giblets and neck from the chicken. Rinse the bird inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.
- Next, season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. If you're using a rub or marinade, now is the time to apply it.
- Place the chicken in a large resealable bag and pour in your desired marinade. Massage the bag to ensure that the chicken is well coated. Marinate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- When you're ready to smoke the chicken, set up your smoker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Preheat to 225 degrees F.
- Remove the whole chicken from the marinade and place it on the smoker, breast-side up. Smoke for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Allow the smoked chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 220Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 157mgSodium: 165mgCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 33g
