Smoked Chicken BBQ Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
4 hrs
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Servings
8
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Calories
565 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Smoked Chicken BBQ Recipe
Description
The Smoked Chicken BBQ Recipe starts by preparing a rub combining salt, spices, and sugars, which is evenly applied over olive oil-coated chicken halves. The chicken is then placed in a smoker set to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Throughout the cook, the chicken is periodically sprayed with a spritzer made from apple juice, cider vinegar, and water to keep the surface moist and enhance flavor development. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature near 150° to 155°, it is brushed with a warm barbecue sauce mixture blended with melted butter. The cooking continues until the internal temperature reaches 165°, ensuring safe and juicy results. After smoking, the chicken rests to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
The smoky aroma and the layered seasoning produce a savory flavor profile with a tender texture. This recipe pairs well with traditional barbecue sides and is suitable for gatherings where smoked poultry is a highlight. The use of a spritz keeps the chicken surface supple and creates a moist bark, while the butter in the sauce adds a smooth finish.
This recipe includes practical tips: The chicken is best served immediately after resting but can be kept warm in a low oven covered for up to an hour. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for three months. Reheating gently in the oven with moisture helps maintain tenderness. Variations in rub ingredients or use of different smokers, including charcoal or pellet grills, are possible. Splitting breasts from thighs can reduce cooking time if needed.
Ingredients
For the Rub:
- 4 tablespoons salt sea salt
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoon garlic granules
- 2 tablespoon onion granules
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For the Spritzer and Sauce:
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup barbecue sauce your favorite
- 1 unsalted butter stick, melted
For the Chicken:
- 2 whole chicken cut in half and back strap removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 250°.
- Rub: Combine all of the ingredients and set aside.
- Spritzer: Add the apple juice, cider, and water to a spray bottle and shake. Set aside.
- Sauce: In a small saucepot, add the BBQ sauce, butter, and 1 cup of the spritzer mix. Keep warm.
- Rub the olive oil all over both sides of the chicken, creating a thin layer.
- Next, generously season the chicken on both sides with the rub. There will be 2-3 tablespoons leftover.
- Add the chicken to the smoker and cook for 1 hour. Spray the chicken with 4-5 sprays each of the spritzer and do so after that every 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal leg temperature of 150° to 155°.
- Sauce the chicken using a brush and smoke until it reaches an internal leg temperature of 165°.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Serve alongside BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Serve the smoked chicken promptly after resting to enjoy optimal juiciness and flavor.
- You can keep the chicken warm for up to one hour in a low oven (175°–200°F) covered with foil.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to four days or freeze for three months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat chicken covered in oven with added moisture (water or stock) at 350°F for 20–25 minutes to maintain tenderness.
- Feel free to adjust the rub with additional spices like chili powder or oregano based on your preference.
- Smoking can be done on standard charcoal grills, pellet grills, or stone-style grills such as the Big Green Egg.
- Use just enough rub to season the chicken lightly; avoid creating a thick coating.
- For quicker cooking, separate breasts from thighs before smoking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 565 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 565kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 34g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 164mg | 55% |
| Sodium | 3999mg | 167% |
| Potassium | 638mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 2580IU | 52% |
| Vitamin C | 5.6mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 73mg | 7% |
| Iron | 4.7mg | 26% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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