Smoked Whole Chicken
- 1 gallon Water
- 3/4 cups Salt
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 whole Chicken, Giblets Removed
- 1 bunch Cherry Wood Chips, Soaked In Water
- 1/2 cups Paprika
- 1/2 cups Light Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cups Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cups Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Cracked Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cayenne Powder
- Note: Youll need a smoker for this recipe.
- Start by adding the water into a large pot.
- Add the salt and sugar and bring to a simmer.
- Once it simmers and the salt and sugar dissolve, remove it from the stove and let it cool.
- Once the brine is cooled, add the chicken to the pot, cover, and let it brine in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours but up to 12.
- Once brined, remove the chicken and pat dry.
- Mix all of the seasonings together and make sure they are well-incorporated.
- Take half of the rub and save for a later use.
- Using the remaining rub, apply it to the entire chicken.
- Feel free to get under the skin and in the cavity if you desire.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or so.
- During this time, heat some coals and prepare your smoker.
- If you use an electric smoker go ahead and prep it as well.
- Once the coals are heated, add them into the smoker, add the water bin, then remove the chicken from the refrigerator and place it onto the smoking grate.
- Cover.
- Add the cherry wood to the heated coals, and begin smoking.
- Smoke the chicken with the lid on, over low heat, for about 4 hours or until your chicken breast registers 165 F on a thermometer or between 165-175 F on the thigh.
- When the temperature is reached, remove chicken to a serving platter.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before cutting.
- The result is nothing short of amazing.
- Its perfectly smoked and the exterior is a great, deep smoked color.
- When you slice into it you get a juicy chicken that has an awesome smoke ring.
- My kids and wife devoured this.
- The kitchen table was quiet that night.
- Thats for sure.
- In the future, I will be smoking whole chickens rather than various pieces.
- That way everyone gets what they want from the whole chicken.
- Hope you enjoy!
gallon water, salt, sugar, chicken, water, paprika, light brown sugar, sugar, garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, pepper, chili powder, cayenne powder
Taken from tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/smoked-whole-chicken/ (may not work)