Smoked Chicken
Smoked Chicken is a juicy and flavorful barbecue classic slow-cooked over wood smoke until perfectly tender and seasoned. Infused with rich smoky flavor and crispy skin, this easy recipe is perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoke
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken about 4 to 5 pounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Wood chips such as hickory, apple, or cherry
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken all over with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and thyme.
- Season the chicken evenly with the spice mixture.
- Add wood chips to the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Place the chicken directly on the smoker grate breast-side up.
- Smoke the chicken for 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Serve warm with your favorite barbecue sides.
Notes
- Apple, cherry, hickory, and pecan woods all pair well with chicken.
- For crispier skin, increase the smoker temperature slightly during the final stage of cooking.
- Brining the chicken beforehand can add extra moisture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serve with coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/smoked-chicken/
