Smoked Chicken Recipes

With so many smoked chicken recipes to choose from here is a simple one you can try that makes a great tasting bird with a nice smoky flavor.

The first thing you need is a whole chicken. We think to the 4 or 5 pound range works best.

Once you have your bird, you’re going to want to brine it for about 6 to 8 hours prior to smoking it. Brining not only helps in keeping the chicken moist but also adds additional flavor when you get creative with your brine ingredients.

For this recipe we’re going to keep it fairly simple but feel free to experiment with the brine and rub ingredients as you see fit. Here goes …

The Brine

• 1 gal water
• ¾ cup pickling salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon mild curry
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon sage

Mix spices and water in a plastic container. Place the chicken in the brine, making sure it’s completely submerged. Soak for 6 to 8 hrs in the refrigerator.

The Rub

• ¼ cup paprika
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup Johnny’s seasoning salt or equivalent
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon mild curry
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon coriander
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

After the chicken is done brining, rinse it in cold water inside and out and pat dry. Next apply a light coat of olive oil to the bird. This helps the rub stick to the skin. Now apply a coating of rub over the entire chicken, don’t be shy with the rub. Tie the leg together at the ends with butchers string.

Heat the smoker up to 250 degrees and put the chicken in. Smoke it until the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees. About one hour per pound will get you close.

When the chicken is done remove it from the smoker, cover with foil and let it rest for about ten minutes.

Now your smoked chicken is ready to be carved and plated for a beautiful presentation, or you can just rip it apart and chow down . . . Whatever Works For You.

Check out some of our other smoked chicken recipes for more ideas and techniques on smoking chicken.

Lets get Smoky!

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