165 degrees Fahrenheit should be measured with an instant-read thermometer implanted near the bone (74 degrees C). Get recipes, BBQ tips & regular discounts straight to your inbox! * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. 5 from 2 votes Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes Course: Main Course Take the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, beer, molasses, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and onion powder. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A 4-pound chicken usually takes around 2-3 hours, but you have to keep checking the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure that it reaches 165F. Insert a digital probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast diagonally, not touching the bone. Grabbing hold of both sides of the chicken, open it like a book. -Stuff and tie early in the process: If youre going to stuff your chicken, do it early so the stuffing has time to cook all the way through. As I mentioned, there are a lot of variables that go into smoking time for chicken. My Best Sweet Rub is a favorite on this site, and super easy to make at home. Preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. You want your smoker to be nice and hot before you put your chicken in. If you want crispier skin, you can finish your chicken off in the oven. Pour water into a large pot that is big enough to keep your chicken submerged in brine. When hes not cooking in the kitchen, Tad enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children. After all, this is the juiciest, tastiest chicken Ive ever had. That's around the time when the chicken starts to give out its amazing aroma, filling the air in the backyard and on the patio. Related:Best gas grills under $1000 Reviews and Consumer Reports. Then, serve it with a red potato salad. Now that you know how long to smoke a whole chicken, put your new knowledge to use and try out this recipe! The total time to cook will vary based on the size of your chicken. Required fields are marked *. How long does it take to smoke whole chicken at 225? Thats around the time when the chicken starts to give out its amazing aroma, filling the air in the backyard and on the patio. For the cost of a full brisket, you'll get annual access to an exclusive BBQ community, Pitmaster Classes, discounts, and much much more! Enjoy your whole smoked chicken as is, or use it in sandwiches, salads, or casserole dishes. Keep in mind that this is just an estimate your actual smoking time may be more or less depending on the factors I mentioned above. Quick note: smoking can often result in leathery skin, so my way to combat this is with a nice layer of olive oil on the outside of the chicken prior to the dry rub. Amount is based on available nutrient data. Let the chicken rest What to serve with your smoked chicken Whole Smoked Chicken on a Pellet Grill How to prepare a whole chicken for smoking Your email address will not be published. Shoulder Roast vs Chuck Roast: What is Differences? Pat chicken dry with a couple of paper towels and generously rub it with the seasoning mix. (large chicken can take up to 5 hours.) Its packed with flavor, and its sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Main thing to watch is internal temperature use a leave-in meat thermometer. Aim to cook the chicken at 225F/110C for the best results. Traeger Whole Smoked Chicken By Traeger Kitchen (0) Wrap your next poultry cook with a little smoke. Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, The BBQ Beat, and never miss a new recipe! He quickly fell in love with the art of cooking, and he knew that this was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. How Long Should I Leave the Smoked Whole Chicken On the Smoker? Remove backbone. However, you can smoke it at 225 degrees if you like. To counter this, I recommend brining the chicken before smoking it. Keep in mind that these are just guidelines youll want to keep an eye on your chicken as it smokes, and make sure its cooked through before serving. Just preheat your oven to 425F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. How long does to smoke a 6-pound chicken? It depends on your smoker, the kind of charcoal youre using, the size of your chicken, and how hot your smoker is. If you touch the bone, pull back just a little bit. I prefer to smoke whole chicken at 250 F / 121 C. This temperature is not too hot and not too cool. This recipe was created for you, backyard griller! When you have time to go low and slow, why not infuse your chicken with as much smoke flavor as you can? How To Smoke A Whole Chicken (4 Easy Steps). Stuff the cavity with half a lemon, about half a yellow onion, and 3-4 garlic cloves. Thus, smoking whole chicken in an electric smoker is simple and full of fun. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the beer BBQ sauce. Perfect party dinner idea: Not only does a whole smoked chicken on a pellet grill require very little preparation time, but you can smoke one chicken for a small gathering or several chickens at once, depending on the size of your smoker. Best gas grills under $1000 Reviews and Buying Guides, Top 15 Best Kitchen Faucets Consumer Reports? Starting at the tail end, cut along both sides of the backbone with kitchen shears. How to grill frozen burgers? This recipe for a smoked whole chicken rub is the perfect blend of spices to give your chicken a nice flavor. Breasts should be about 160-165 degrees F. The thighs should be about 170-175 degrees F. Baste with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking (this is optional). Get creative and try different spice blends, sauces, and side dishes. For a larger group, you may want to smoke two chickens. Top 11 Best Electric Coffee Percolators Consumer Reports? Avoid using strong-flavored woods like mesquite or hickory, as they can make your chicken taste bitter. According to your own taste preferences you can easily season with just salt and pepper, but I strongly recommend investing in a dry rub. I would recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken before serving. Bring the legs together and tie them with cooking twine. 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper. A crucial but often neglected part of meat cooking is seasoning, and the same is true when it comes to meat smoking. Its versatile! Pin 4.55 from 11 votes Smoked Whole Chicken Otherwise, it won't cook evenly. TheOnlineGrill.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A smoked whole chicken is a great way to add some smoky flavor to your next meal! If your smoker vents are adjustable, open them to about 50%-75% of the way open and try to position them over the top of the chicken. The final internal temperature of a breast or thigh should be between 160 and 165 degrees F. A whole chicken will require a longer cook time. Its tender, incredibly juicy, and full of flavor. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a04a195f11135e04e4003d634e89f230" );document.getElementById("a34728bea9").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Grill Squad is our exclusive membership program that will transform bland cookouts into booming barbecues that you'll remember for a lifetime. Every time I make whole smoked chicken, we start drooling about an hour into the smoke. Chicken doesnt take a long time to smoke, even a whole chicken will take 2.5-5 hours. -Gas smokers: Gas smokers use propane or natural gas as their fuel source. Theyre packed with flavor, and they make a great dinner or lunch. Smoke it for 3-4 hours. Coat the chicken thoroughly, also applying the rub inside the chicken cavity wall. People often wonder how long to smoke a whole chicken. This is a matter of personal preference. Your email address will not be published. It takes 3-4 hours to smoke a whole chicken. And, yep, its smokey. Let it rest 20-30 minutes before cutting into it. This will make enough for a couple of whole chickens. Push down on each side of the breast with your hands until you hear it crack; press to flatten. One whole or two halves will both cook in about the same time. And thats it! This white chicken chili is a delicious and easy way to use up your leftover smoked chicken. This can take about 2-4 hours in total, but will ultimately depend on when the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165F (75C). And be sure to keep an eye on your smoker so the temperature doesnt get too high. Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. If you like to be a bit more precise, then try using a meat thermometer by inserting it into the meatiest part of the chicken (more often than not this is the breast). -A 5 to 6-pound chicken will take about 4 hours. Remove the chicken from the smoker, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. The general rule is to smoke the chicken for 30 minutes per pound. The bird stays moist, but still doesn't take forever to cook. In most cases this means about 4 hours for an average sized chicken. Season it with your favorite spices, and smoke it for 3-4 hours. Smoked whole chicken is what you need to have in your life today. One whole chicken should be enough to feed a family of four with leftovers. I prefer to dry brine my chicken, but you can also rub it with a wet or dry rub. Yes, you can make smoked chicken without a smoker. The result is always tender, juicy, fall off the bone chicken loaded with flavor. MASTER IT. Smoking whole chicken is one of the easiest ways to add some smoky flavor to your food. The exact time will depend on the size of your chicken and the temperature of your smoker. Smoke 5. Well, no, you dont HAVE to brine the chicken. Smoke chicken in the preheated smoker until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, reads 140 degrees F (60 degrees C), about 3 1/2 hours. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesnt burn! To ensure that your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Low cooking temperatures and long cooking times, Meat brining is a way to keep it moist and tender, How to Smoke a Whole Chicken in an Electric Smoker, 23 Winter BBQ Ideas to Curb Your Grilling Craving, 11 St Patricks Day BBQ & Grilling Recipes [Irish BBQ Ideas], How to Smoke Chicken Breast in an Electric Smoker [Boneless & Skinless], Smoked Korean Spare Ribs [Gochujang BBQ Pork Ribs], How to Smoke Duck [Dry Brine, Best Wood & Recipe], 3 tablespoons oil (canola, olive, or extra virgin olive oil), 2 tablespoons garlic powder or garlic salt. Place one pouch in your smoker, and leave the other to one side for later. I absolutely love a whole smoked chicken with a good sweet rub. https://millerscafehouston.com/ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, as well as to other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. The easiest way to know when your chicken is done is to use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken, the type of smoker, and the temperature at that you are smoking. Smoking a whole chicken takes needs to be cooked at 225F (107C), and takes about 45 minutes per pound of meat. SMOKED CHICKEN TEMPERATURE AND TIMES CHART Whole Chicken: Smoker temperature - 250F Smoking time - 30 to 45 minutes/pound Finished temperature - 165F Chicken Breast: Smoker temperature - 250F Smoking time - 30 to 45 minutes/pound Finished temperature - 165F Chicken Quarters: Smoker temperature - 250F Smoking time - 4 hours Step By Step Guide. Cut and serve. Check out my guide to the best woods for smoking chicken. Let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F, while the thighs should fall between 170-175F. I like to use apple cider vinegar, but you can also use water, lemon juice, or white wine. Carefully submerge chicken into the brine solution and make sure its fully covered. Smoke whole chicken the easy way with this electric smoker recipe. Otherwise, it wont cook evenly. The best way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer. Yes, I personally believe that those are essential steps for my chicken and I would not have it any other way. Just follow these simple steps and youll have a delicious, smoky chicken thats perfect for your next meal. Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the grill, slice, and serve. There are so many delicious things you can serve with smoked chicken! (Its easier to rub meats on a rimmed baking sheet than on a cutting board.). Preheat your smoker to 225F/110C. These are all great questions, and the answer to each one can vary depending on personal preference. Again, I would recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken before serving. Unlike a brisket or a pork butt, which takes 10 plus hours to cook, you can smoke a chicken in under 2 hours. I use a very simple brine when I smoke chicken because the chicken will have a spice rub coating and a stuffing that will give it good flavor. Add about an inch of water or flavored liquid in the water bowl. Get it to a steady temperature of 225 degrees F. The cooking time will very much depend on the size of the chicken, but Id recommend smoking it for about 45 minutes per pound of chicken. And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me directly. Why should you be preparing your whole chickens in a smoker? If your chicken is larger or smaller, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Punch holes in the top for ventilation and so that the smoke that will emanate from the chips can escape. Whole chickens can be smoked using a variety of methods, and the cooking time will vary depending on the method you use. Subscribe to our email newsletter to get a FREE Meat Temperature Guide and never miss a new recipe or deal! Choose the perfect wood chip type, and you can elevate the taste profile of your meal perfectly. Smoking a whole chicken is a great way to cook chicken when you are not in a big hurry. This method is perfect if you want crispy, crunchy skin. The method above will give your bird a smoky flavor, but may not result in crispy skin if not roasted at a higher temperature. Similarly, if you cook a whole chicken to serve four persons, it would take 3 to 5 hours to smoke. If youre smoking a half chicken at 275 degrees Fahrenheit, it should take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. During the smoking process, it is recommended to check the chicken and brush it with your favorite BBQ sauce for added flavor. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. How to smoke a whole chicken on the pellet grill 1. Then increase the temperature to 350F (177C) to allow the skin to crisp. Here are 23 fantastic winter BBQ ideas so that you keep grilling all, Tender bison chuck roast prepared with dry rub seasoning and cooked over woodfire. For a heartier version, rub your chicken down with a lemon and herb blend. If your smoker is running hot, it will cook the chicken faster. How long to bake chicken drumsticks at 400? Be sure to check on it occasionally, and add more charcoal if necessary. The cooking time for a smoked whole chicken will depend on how you've prepared it, the temperature you've set, and the final product you're looking for. Smoked chicken is a delicious and easy way to add some smoky flavor to your next meal! Related: Best 2 Burner Gas Grill Consumer Reports. Learn how to capture that smoky, delicious goodness with my guide on how to smoke a whole chicken. Personally, I love apple. -Make sure theres enough ventilation: Good ventilation is key when smoking chicken. Add 3 to 4 wood chunks over the coals. Better than any rotisserie chicken youll buy at the grocer, smoking your own whole chicken simply cant be beat. The internal temperature of the chicken breasts should be at least 165F and the thighs should reach an internal temperature of 175F when you remove the chicken from the smoker. You can use a larger chicken if you like, but keep in mind that it will take longer to smoke. Stick it in the thickest part of the chicken breast, and make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Just be sure to keep the temperature around 250 degrees Fahrenheit, and use wood chips or pellets to create the smoke. If you have any smoked chicken leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and season on all sides with the sweet rub. The best way to tell if your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. We want to be aiming for about 160F/70C. Take a few hours to brine the chicken for the best results, stuff it with some onion, garlic, and lemon, and finally, rub it with delicious chicken dry rub. Put the whole chicken in the smoker. Smoking a whole chicken is not as intimidating as it sounds. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Soak your wood chips in water for one hour. Place the whole chicken in your Traeger and cook at it at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-60 minutes. This is a simple combination of onions, garlic, and lemon to give the chicken some more moisture and flavor from the inside. Smoke until the chicken reaches 165F. Its economical! Prepared with a wet brine and herb BBQ dry, Grilling shouldn't stop in the colder months. This helps to flavor the chicken and keep it moist during the smoking process. Here's what you'll need to do: -Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker To 225F: This is important! There was an error submitting your subscription. Check your chicken about once every hour. Cook for about 3 hours or until internal temperature of the thickest part is 165F and juices run clear. 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. Smoke at 225F for 1 hour. Once your chicken is fully cooked, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. -A 7 to 8-pound chicken will take about 5 hours. Nothings better than having a bunch of delicious smoked whole chicken ready to rock and roll for the remainder of the week. you can also use this brine for a grilled whole chicken. Its tender, incredibly juicy, and full of flavor. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meat even more tender and flavorful. Coat the chicken with oil evenly, then season both the skin side and the bottom side with your preferred rub. Remember, these are just guidelines your chicken may be done sooner or later, depending on the factors mentioned above. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Then, finish it off in the oven for 10-15 minutes. A dry brine is a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices that is rubbed into the chicken before smoking. Chicken will not be totally ruined or come out not tasting good without the brine step. How Long Does It Take to Smoke a Chicken? Spatchcock chicken by placing the breast down on a work surface. Just place it in a baking dish and heat it in the oven at 325F until its heated through. This encourages the meat to absorb the water, leaving it moist when cooked. Heres what youll need to do: This is important! Nothing fancy here, just a simple smoked chicken that will come out juicy and tasting great. Place the whole chicken on your preheated smoker. Its a simple process of prepping, seasoning, and smoking. Chicken will take about 2 1/2 hours, depending on the size, and its done when it reaches 165. Some of the best woods for smoking chicken are apple, cherry, hickory, and pecan. The answer, of course, depends on the size of the chicken and the temperature of the smoker. The size of your chicken will ultimately determine your cooking time. On average, it takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to smoke a whole chicken on a smoker if you're cooking in the 300 F range. Its my quiet time to tend to the smoker as I call it but in reality, its just my quiet time. If using a charcoal smoker, place this pouch immediately on top of the charcoals. -Step 2: Season the Whole Chicken: Check your chicken about once every hour but ensure not to check your chicken more than this. However I promise that its worth the wait. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight). This recipe will serve 4-6 people, depending on how it is served. Cooking chicken at a low(ish . Now that your chicken is cooked through, its time to slice and serve. Rub chicken all over with seasoning blend. How To Smoke A Whole Chicken (4 Easy Steps) Now that you've got your chicken all rubbed down, it's time to smoke it! The best temperature to smoke a whole chicken is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Now that youve got your chicken all rubbed down, its time to smoke it! Take a few hours to brine the chicken, then it's stuffed with some onion, garlic, and lemon, and finally, rubbed with delicious chicken dry rub. Also, no less crucial is to separate the chicken breast skin from the meat by pulling them. When the smoker is in the 250-275 F range, it is time to place the chicken (s) on the smoker racks and into the Bradley. Spread the legs out and tuck the wings under to keep them in place. Do note that a pouch will only last 90-120 minutes, so if you require a much longer cooking time then you will have to prepare at least one more bag of wood chips to swap in later. Just remember to keep an eye on your chicken as it smokes, and pull it off the smoker when its cooked through. Spatchcock your chicken 3. Its juicy. Also, if you want crispy skin on your chicken, increase the heat on your smoker for the final 8-10 degrees (aim for 375-400 degrees). This Smoked Whole Chicken is a juicy, delicious, and affordable way to make a dinner for your entire family. If this is your first foray into meat smoking then be sure to check out my list of the best meats to smoke. Food & Drink Grill & BBQ Coffee Microwave, Phone: 713-658-0400 Email: millerscafehouston.com@gmail.com Address: 1001 McKinney St Ste B4 Houston, Texas, Texas, US 77002, Camp Chef vs Traeger: Pellet Grill comparison, If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. This will help draw the smoke towards the chicken before then escaping the smoker. . Doing so will risk losing too much heat from the smoker and drying out the bird. Need to thaw your chicken quickly? Put simply, the quality of the finished article is so much more superior than any other form of cooked chicken, whether that be rotisserie or store-bought. To prepare smoker, soak your wood chips in water for at least an hour (but no more than two!) This is a great way to add extra moisture and flavor, and it helps keep the chicken from drying out. And its so easy to make! Heres how to smoke a whole chicken. Once inserted, close the lid and check the temperature again after about one hour. before smoking. 2. You will need to use . from our store, Patio Provisions, well happily ship it straight to your door! Step 2 - Cutting the Chicken Next prepare your chicken. There's an app for that. Chicken will take about 2 1/2 hours, depending on the size, and its done when it reaches 165. (Large size chicken could take up to 5 hours.). This recipe is for a basic smoked chicken, but you can add whatever seasonings you like to customize the flavor. I hope this gives you a better idea of how long to smoke a whole chicken. The BBQ enthusiasts out there will love the satisfying smoking process, while anyone will be proud of the fantastic results to come from it. For more detailed instructions, check out this smoked chicken recipe. Theyre typically less expensive than other types of smokers, and theyre easy to use. Susie Bulloch founded Hey Grill Hey in 2015 with one desire: To help people make better BBQ. At 275F, it takes about 30 minutes for every 1 pound of chicken, so do your math here and keep checking on the chicken! Remove chicken from the brine (if used) and pat dry. But the aroma of the food cooking is not as overwhelming as the scent smacking you in the face when you first open the lid. If you choose to leave the skin on, it will help protect the meat from drying out. Generously rub it with the seasoning mix. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If youre using cut-up chicken pieces, you can skip the giblet removal and rinsing steps. When youre choosing a chicken for smoking, youll want to look for a chicken thats about 4-5 pounds. This chicken is brined over-night to ensure maximum flavor and seasoning for a knock out smoked chicken. Yes, you can use either a gas or charcoal grill to smoke chicken. It takes approximately 2.5-3 hours to fully smoke a whole chicken at 275 degrees F. The final internal temperature of the breast should be between 160-165 degrees F, and the thighs should be between 170-175 degrees F. The cook time for a whole chicken depends on a handful of factors. 3. For a whole chicken that is 4-5 pounds, it will take 3-4 hours to smoke using the indirect heat method. After smoking a whole chicken, it will become the ONLY way you will cook a yard bird from now on. Place your chicken in the smoker, breast side up, and close the lid. Stir until combined then transfer into a shaker container. Nowhere is this more true than with a whole chicken. There are a lot of questions that go into how long to smoke a whole chicken, and the answer is going to be different for everyone. But in general, smoking a whole chicken should take about 4 hours. This will give you a good idea of how long it takes to smoke chicken without having to worry about overcooking or undercooking your chicken. Smoking the chicken long and slow at a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit allows the meat to cook slowly and absorb the smoky flavor of the wood chips.Depending on the size of the whole chicken you are going to smoke, the cooking time may take anywhere from 2 to . Its easy! Place the chicken in the charcoal smoker. We love a good rub, dont you? Smoking your chicken is a great way to save money on your food budget. For a whole chicken that is 8-10 pounds, it will take 4-5 hours to smoke using the indirect heat method. To insert the thermometer: Insert a digital probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast diagonally, not touching the bone. Or, you can shred the chicken and add it to a soup or stew. How long does to smoke a whole chicken? Heres how to defrost chicken fast. That said, you can typically expect to smoke a whole chicken for about 3-4 hours. There are a ton of dry rub types out there, and you can even make your own. You can use any kind of seasoning you like we recommend a simple rub of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Now that you've got your chicken and rub ready, it's time for some smoking! If youre using a whole chicken, the first step is to remove the giblets. How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 275? What is the approximate time required to smoke a chicken in an electric smoker? If you can't handle heat, I'd suggest 2 teaspoons of cayenne instead of 2 tablespoons. How to insert thermometer into chicken: Insert a digital probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast diagonally, not touching the bone. How to Smoke a Chicken Smoking a whole chicken using this recipe can be a long but satisfying process with a delicious end result. The fat in the oil will help to keep the skin moist and prevent the smoke from drying it out. Insert temperature probes. When cooked low and slow in a BBQ smoker, the relatively modest heat allows the juices inside the meat to flavor the meat, and allows the aromas of the wood chips to permeate the meat to give them a more intense and rounded taste. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, and to smoke the chicken for 30 minutes per pound. Cut-up chicken pieces can be smoked with or without the skin again, its up to you. No cutting corners here. Thanks for reading, and happy smoking! This can take about 2-4 hours in total, but will ultimately depend on when the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165F (75C). -A 9 to 10-pound chicken will take about 6 hours. If youre using a whole chicken, be sure to remove the giblets before smoking. Additionally, TheOnlineGrill.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. If using a charcoal smoker, place this pouch immediately on top of the charcoals. Trim off excess skin and fat. What we achieve with this process is we allow the chicken to absorb the rich smoky aromas of the wood while also letting the chicken cook in its own juices. Finally, its important to note that you shouldnt open the smoker door too frequently while the chicken is cooking. A smoking whole chicken is a delicious way to enjoy your chicken. Mix them in a saucepan. We love smoking chicken at my house even when its simple smoked chicken wings or chicken drumsticks. These loaded grilled chicken tacos are a delicious and easy way to use up your leftover smoked chicken. Consider it an easy and tasty weekend meal prep. Now that you know how long to smoke a whole chicken, its time to get started on your smoked chicken recipe! Remove the chicken from the smoker, tent with foil for 10 minutes, then slice and serve. Conversely, if your smoker is running low, it will take longer to cook the chicken. For most smokers, it will take about 2-3 hours to smoke a chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoke it for 3-4 hours. Before you put the chicken in the smoker, give it a good wash and trim off any loose fat and skin. Just be sure to wrap the chicken tightly so it doesnt dry out. Enjoy your smoked chicken, and dont forget to share any leftovers with your friends and family. Again, this all depends on the specific smoker and chicken youre using. Smoking one 4-pound chicken will take about 3 hours or 45 minutes per pound. I don't recommend rubbing in your seasoning because it will just pull back on the skin and your seasoning will chunk. The smoked chicken breast that Traeger delivers, at the end of the day, should be cooked at the same temperature and for the same length of time as the other two devices to achieve the . The Optimal Temperature for Smoking a Whole Chicken. If you are using the direct heat method, it will take 2-3 hours. -Smooth out the spice mix: If youre using a dry rub or spice mix, make sure its well-mixed before applying it to the chicken. Its very hard to resist biting right into the chicken, right there on the smoker. Chicken breast meat should be 165. Meat brining is a way to keep it moist and tender before roasting it, and is particularly crucial for meats that are vulnerable to drying out, such as turkey and you guessed it chicken. If you are using a charcoal smoker then aim to light it at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. You can also use this rub on chicken breasts, thighs, or wings. Thanks for reading, and happy smoking! It takes approximately 2-3 hours to smoke a whole chicken at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, smoke it for 3-4 hours. Now you know how to smoke a whole chicken. Smoked Whole Chicken FAQ: How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees? For a healthier version, rub your chicken down with a lemon and herb blend. Chicken rub stays on the skin but chicken brine does help flavor the meat internally. This whole chicken is brined, seasoned with our chicken rub, lemon, garlic, and fresh thyme, and mesquite-smoked for some smokin' flavor. This cooking time is for a 4-pound chicken. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Anyone who has ever cooked a Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey will know how the latter can enhance the meats flavors. Smoking a whole chicken takes needs to be cooked at 225F (107C), and takes about 45 minutes per pound of meat. Close the lid right away and do not open it again until the chicken is done. Here are a few of our favorites: These are just a few ideas get creative and serve your smoked chicken with whatever you like! Theyre great for smoking large cuts of meat or multiple racks of ribs. Once a steady temperature has been achieved, place the chicken, breast side up directly on the grill grates. If youre smoking a smaller chicken or one that is mostly dark meat, it may only take 1-2 hours. Then, let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really penetrate the meat. Preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Smoking a whole chicken takes 3 to 4 hours at 225F. Second, smokers temps are not always perfectly consistent, so if your temp drops a bit, you could be looking at a longer cook time. These are just a few of the many ways you can smoke a whole chicken. Porterhouse vs Ribeye: What is the Difference? Theyre easy to use and maintain, and theyre great for beginners. Brined chicken will always give you a better result so its worth to take that extra step. Turn up the heat to 350 to 400 degrees F (175 to 200 degrees C) and get direct heat on the skin to finish up with an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C), about 15 more minutes. No roasted or rotisserie chicken ever tasted this good. I hope you will give it a try! The best way to know when your chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. -Offset smokers: These smokers have a firebox attached to one side, with the smoking chamber offset from the fire. 4. Its packed with flavor, and it makes a great lunch or dinner. Close the lid and smoke for 3 1/2 - 4 hours. If you would like to make your own rub then heres a simple recipe: Be sure when you apply the rub to thoroughly coat your chicken as much as possible, and dont forget to rub it in the inside cavity as well. So, if you have a 4-pound chicken, you will need to smoke it for 2 hours. So, try to resist the urge to peek! If you have leftovers, you can easily reheat your smoked chicken. Combine all ingredients for the chicken rub in a small bowl and mix it well. How long to cook the whole chicken: it could take 2.5-3 hours for the average whole chicken. If youre smoking a larger chicken or one with a lot of breast meat, it may take closer to 4 hours. Cook for about 4 hours, or until cooked through. There are few meats out there that are as satisfying to cook as a whole chicken. Just mix all of the ingredients together and rub them all over your chicken. It contains smoked paprika (a seasoning game-changer), fresh herbs, and lemon zest for a refreshing final flavor. If your smoker is running at 250 degrees, youll want to smoke your chicken for about 3-4 hours. Just like with a BBQ grill, we want to wait until the coals have turned from completely black to a slightly gray ash-like color. This will ensure that your chicken is cooked through, but not overcooked. Since then, Tad has worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country, and he is now considered one of the top chefs in the industry. However, charcoal smokers can be difficult to control, and they require more attention than other types of smokers. For the brine, simply combine salt, sugar, and lemon slices in 2 quarts of water until its dissolved. A smoked entire chicken's cooking time will vary depending on how you've prepared it, the temperature you've chosen, and the desired outcome. If you touch the bone, pull back just a little bit. Please try again. A whole chicken should take 3-4 hours to smoke. This smoked chicken salad sandwich is a great way to use up your leftover chicken. Serve it with macaroni and cheese, baked beans, or any of your other favorite side dishes. You can also rub the chicken with the spices up to 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerate. Place your prepared chicken in the smoker. 3. How Long to Smoke a Whole Chicken Depending on the size of the bird and the temperature that it's cooked at, it can take anywhere from two to five hours to smoke a whole chicken. It also varies according on the temperature. I recommend trying something fruit-based, like apple, cherry or peach. Be sure to season the inside of the chicken as well as the outside. This will help flavor the meat as it smokes. In simple terms, brining is a process by which you soak meat in salted water. -Pellet smokers: These smokers use compressed wood pellets as their fuel source. Smoked whole chicken are great to do on the weekends, because you can cook multiple chickens at a time, and theyll be better than any rotisserie chicken you can buy at the store. Sure, they take a long time but this is par for the course when it comes to BBQ smoking. Whats the best temp to smoke a whole chicken? Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Once you have a feel for how long it takes to smoke a chicken, you can experiment with different sizes and smoking times. If you havent tried brining before, then check out my guide on how to brine chicken wings. It is important to note that smoking times are only estimates. However be sure to check on it regularly as this time could still vary, so keep monitoring it until the chicken is fully cooked throughout. Any seasoned smoker will tell you that pairing the right kind of wood chips with your chosen meat is key to the best results. Cook the chicken breasts in the preheated smoker until the chicken is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 4 hours, adding maple wood chips as needed to maintain the smoke flowing continuously throughout the cooking process. You can find more of my smoking and grilling recipes here on my website (browse the Homepagefor inspiration) onInstagram,YouTube or ourFacebook Page. The danger of cooking chicken for a long time is itll be prone to drying out and as anyone can testify, dry chicken is no fun. You can use smoked chicken in so many different recipes from soup to salad to sandwiches. Im always happy to help! The main advantage is the reduced cooking time from removing the back. Smoking whole chicken is a great way to add flavor to your meal. You can use any type of seasoning you like from a simple salt and pepper rub to a more complex spice blend. Mix paprika, chili powder, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt together in a large mixing bowl with a fork until thoroughly combined. Review. Keep in mind that the internal temperature of the chicken will continue to rise after its been removed from the smoker, so youll want to take it out when its about 5-10 degrees lower than your target temperature. 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