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–+ servings
Smoked chicken cut up on a white platter garnished with whole parsley.
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4.80 from 5 votes

Smoked Whole Chicken Recipe

A how-to to create fabulous smoked chicken that is juicy, tender, and smoky that will blow everybody away.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 hours
Dry Brine8 hours
Course: BBQ, Chicken, smoked
Cuisine: BBQ
Keyword: bbq
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 412kcal

Equipment

  • Smoker
  • Hickory or Oak or Pecan wood, or a mix.

Ingredients

Dry Brine

  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Pepper freshly ground

Chicken

  • Chicken 4-5 lb

Instructions

Prep

  • Combine all dry brine spices in bowl.
  • Add rub to entire surface of chicken, paying attention to the breasts and thighs.
  • Place chicken on plate or baking dish and cover with plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate for at least 8 hours. You can refrigerate up to 24 hours.

The Cook

  • Preheat the smoker to a stable 225 to 250 degrees Fehrenheit.
  • Place chicken into the smoker. Make sure to tuck the wings under to prevent overcooking.
  • Smoke at 225 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 5 hours or until the breasts and thighs have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove from the smoker and allow to rest for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Carve and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 412kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 1878mg | Potassium: 360mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 2mg