Introduction
A smoked whole chicken is a classic dish that can be served as an entree and enjoyed by people of all ages. The smokiness of the chicken provides a unique flavor and aroma that can’t be replicated with other cooking methods. It’s an easy and simple dish to prepare, and you will be rewarded with a delicious and succulent meal that is sure to please. If you’re looking for a new way to prepare chicken, smoked whole chicken is an excellent option.
Ingredients
Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need to make your smoked whole chicken. For the chicken, you’ll need one whole chicken, about 3-4 pounds. You’ll also need some wood chips for the smoker, such as hickory chips or apple wood chips. You’ll need two tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of your favorite BBQ rub, and a tablespoon of garlic powder. Finally, you’ll need a smoker, a thermometer, and a drip pan.
Preparing the Chicken
The first step is to prepare the chicken. Take the chicken out of the package and rinse it off. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub the olive oil, BBQ rub, and garlic powder all over the skin. Place the chicken onto a plate or platter and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
Smoking the Chicken
Once the chicken has been in the refrigerator for at least one hour, it’s time to smoke it. Start by preheating the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the smoker is up to temperature, put the wood chips into the smoke box. Place the chicken onto the smoker grate, being careful to not overcrowd the grate. Place the drip pan beneath the grate and close the lid.
Monitoring and Adjusting the Temperature
The next step is to monitor the temperature of the smoker and adjust as needed. A good rule of thumb is to keep the smoker temperature at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature starts to dip too low, add a few more wood chips to the smoke box. If the temperature starts to get too high, open the lid and let some of the heat escape. It’s also important to keep an eye on the drip pan and add more water as needed.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the smoker is up to temperature and the wood chips are smoking, it’s time to cook the chicken. The chicken will need to cook for about two and a half hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
Serving the Chicken
After the chicken has rested for at least 10 minutes, it’s time to serve it. You can carve the chicken and serve it as is, or you can shred the chicken and use it to make tacos or sandwiches. The smokiness of the chicken will pair perfectly with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and more. The smoked whole chicken is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Conclusion
Smoked whole chicken is an easy and delicious dish that is sure to please. The smokiness of the chicken provides a unique flavor and aroma that can’t be replicated with other cooking methods. It’s an easy and simple dish to prepare, and you will be rewarded with a delicious and succulent meal that is sure to please. If you’re looking for a new way to prepare chicken, smoked whole chicken is an excellent option.
