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. Just follow these simple steps and youll have a delicious, smoky chicken thats perfect for your next meal. My Best Sweet Rub is a favorite on this site, and super easy to make at home. (Its easier to rub meats on a rimmed baking sheet than on a cutting board.) Chicken will take about 2 1/2 hours, depending on the size, and its done when it reaches 165. According to your own taste preferences you can easily season with just salt and pepper, but I strongly recommend investing in a dry rub. Now that you've got your chicken and rub ready, it's time for some smoking! -Gas smokers: Gas smokers use propane or natural gas as their fuel source. 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 Remove chicken from the brine (if used) and pat dry. Cook for about 3 hours or until internal temperature of the thickest part is 165F and juices run clear. If you have any smoked chicken leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Otherwise, it won't cook evenly. 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. 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. If your smoker is running at 250 degrees, youll want to smoke your chicken for about 3-4 hours. Next, youll want to rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water. Whole chickens can be smoked using a variety of methods, and the cooking time will vary depending on the method you use. Learn how to capture that smoky, delicious goodness with my guide on how to smoke a whole chicken. This method is perfect if you want crispy, crunchy skin. Smoke it for 3-4 hours. Enjoy your whole smoked chicken as is, or use it in sandwiches, salads, or casserole dishes. What is the approximate time required to smoke a chicken in an electric smoker? The best way to tell if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Use butcher twine to tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips behind the shoulder joint. The general rule is to smoke the chicken for 30 minutes per pound. Smoking a whole chicken is a great way to cook chicken when you are not in a big hurry. Doing so will risk losing too much heat from the smoker and drying out the bird. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the skin is crispy. For a healthier version, rub your chicken down with a lemon and herb blend. Whats the best temp to smoke a whole chicken? Remove the chicken from the smoker, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving. And, yep, its smokey. If youre smoking a larger chicken or one with a lot of breast meat, it may take closer to 4 hours. Bring the legs together and tie them with cooking twine. 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. Amount is based on available nutrient data. If youre smoking a half chicken at 275 degrees Fahrenheit, it should take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. A dry brine is a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices that is rubbed into the chicken before smoking. Once your chicken is prepped, its time to season it. Then, enjoy it with your favorite sides. You can use either a whole chicken or cut-up chicken pieces for smoking its up to you! For a larger group, you may want to smoke two chickens. Additionally, TheOnlineGrill.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. 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 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. Chicken will take about 2 1/2 hours, depending on the size, and its done when it reaches 165. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. This will help flavor the meat as it smokes. Smoke until the chicken reaches 165F. Cut and serve. So, try to resist the urge to peek! Prepared with a wet brine and herb BBQ dry, Grilling shouldn't stop in the colder months. Or, you can shred the chicken and add it to a soup or stew. 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. I like to use apple cider vinegar, but you can also use water, lemon juice, or white wine. 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. Smoker temperature for the whole chicken: the magic 225. Just rub your chicken down with a spice blend, smoke it for 3-4 hours, and enjoy! Its moist. Main thing to watch is internal temperature use a leave-in meat thermometer. Place the chicken in the smoker, and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until cooked through. A smoked whole chicken is a great way to add some smoky flavor to your next meal! Stick it in the thickest part of the chicken breast, and make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Fire up the smoker to 250F 2. It takes 3-4 hours to smoke a chicken. There was an error submitting your subscription. In simple terms, brining is a process by which you soak meat in salted water. Electric smokers are easy to use and produce consistent results. Whole chicken often goes on sale at the store (the one I used for this recipe only cost $5.00). We love smoking chicken at my house even when its simple smoked chicken wings or chicken drumsticks. Season your chicken all over with the BBQ rub. He loves to experiment with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen, and he takes great pride in serving up delicious dishes that his guests will love. What a deal! Get creative and try different spice blends, sauces, and side dishes. I absolutely love a whole smoked chicken with a good sweet rub. Smoking a whole chicken takes 3 to 4 hours at 225F. Remove chicken from the smoker, cover in foil, and allow to rest until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 10 minutes. I recommend trying something fruit-based, like apple, cherry or peach. As I mentioned, there are a lot of variables that go into smoking time for chicken. Smoking a chicken at 225 degrees Fahrenheit will take about three to four hours. 3. Types of wood for smoking chicken: apple, pecan, maple, cherry. 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. Smoked whole chicken is what you need to have in your life today. Why should you be preparing your whole chickens in a smoker? The result is always tender, juicy, fall off the bone chicken loaded with flavor. It contains smoked paprika (a seasoning game-changer), fresh herbs, and lemon zest for a refreshing final flavor. It also varies according on the temperature. Susie and her husband Todd run a family business that includes a line of signature BBQ rubs, sauces, and gadgets. Let it cooks for 3-4 hours. 4. Place your chicken in the smoker, breast side up, and close the lid. Juicy Smoked Whole Chicken It's time to cook up a smoky and juicy whole chicken for your next BBQ. The best wood for smoking chicken is light-flavored wood like maple, apple, or cherry. 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. Just use a gas or charcoal grill, and follow the instructions above. A smoking whole chicken is a delicious way to enjoy your chicken. Shoulder Roast vs Chuck Roast: What is Differences? Soaking wood chips allows them to smoke for longer than they would if dry. There are few meats out there that are as satisfying to cook as a whole chicken. Carefully submerge chicken into the brine solution and make sure its fully covered. It depends on your smoker, the kind of charcoal youre using, the size of your chicken, and how hot your smoker is. Now that youve got your chicken all rubbed down, its time to smoke it! Step 2 - Cutting the Chicken Next prepare your chicken. Great rub for a whole smoked chicken. I like to do this the day before I plan to smoke the chicken. Theyre easy to use and maintain, and theyre great for beginners. Check your chicken about once every hour. If youre using a whole chicken, be sure to remove the giblets before smoking. Theyre great for smoking large cuts of meat or multiple racks of ribs. Itll be just as delicious as the first time around! This Traeger Smoked Whole Chicken can be marinated or seasoned with a dry rub. Once your smoker is preheated, its time to season your chicken. If this is your first foray into meat smoking then be sure to check out my list of the best meats to smoke. Better than any rotisserie chicken youll buy at the grocer, smoking your own whole chicken simply cant be beat. How To Smoke A Whole Chicken (4 Easy Steps). There's an app for that. This will help draw the smoke towards the chicken before then escaping the smoker. Top 11 Best Electric Coffee Percolators Consumer Reports? Some of the best woods for smoking chicken are apple, cherry, hickory, and pecan. . How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 275? 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. You can also use this rub on chicken breasts, thighs, or wings. The Grill Squad is our exclusive membership program that will transform bland cookouts into booming barbecues that you'll remember for a lifetime. Finally the fun part. Will it taste the same? If youd rather skip the sugar, another great rub for this smoked whole chicken is this Lemon Herb Chicken Seasoning. Be sure to check on it occasionally, and add more charcoal if necessary. 165 degrees Fahrenheit should be measured with an instant-read thermometer implanted near the bone (74 degrees C). Similarly, if you cook a whole chicken to serve four persons, it would take 3 to 5 hours to smoke. For a sweet and spicy twist, rub your chicken down with a sugar and spice blend. We want to wait until the coals have turned from completely black to a slightly gray ash-like color. If you touch the bone, pull back just a little bit. However, you can smoke it at 225 degrees if you like. Anyone who has ever cooked a Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey will know how the latter can enhance the meats flavors. The technique and skills you learn will bring your backyard cookouts to a new level. Nothings better than having a bunch of delicious smoked whole chicken ready to rock and roll for the remainder of the week. I'd like to receive the free email course. I prefer to smoke my chicken at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 1. If using a charcoal smoker, light it up at least 30 minutes in advance. 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 Optimal Temperature for Smoking a Whole Chicken. Its packed with flavor, and its sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Otherwise, it wont cook evenly. -Avoid overcooking with the right thermometer: Use a digital meat thermometer to avoid overcooking your chicken. Smoking a whole chicken takes needs to be cooked at 225F (107C), and takes about 45 minutes per pound of meat. How Long to Smoke a Whole 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. How to insert thermometer into chicken: Insert a digital probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast diagonally, not touching the bone. For the cost of a full brisket, you'll get annual access to an exclusive BBQ community, Pitmaster Classes, discounts, and much much more! You will need to use . -Electric smokers: Electric smokers are another popular option, especially for those who live in apartments or other places where open flames are not allowed. For a whole chicken I recommend making at least two spare. Take chicken out of the brine and onto a rimmed baking sheet. 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. Stir in salt, sugar, and lemon slices and let salt and sugar dissolve. To prepare smoker, soak your wood chips in water for at least an hour (but no more than two!) Chicken doesn't take a long time to smoke, even a whole chicken will take 2.5-5 hours. During the smoking process, it is recommended to check the chicken and brush it with your favorite BBQ sauce for added flavor. Directions Preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). 2. 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. Just like you would with an oven or charcoal grill, we need to start up our smoker. This size will ensure that your chicken cooks through evenly, wont take too long to smoke, and doesnt dry out. Be sure to click below and follow me on my social media, so you never miss a recipe. Pellet smokers are easy to use and produce consistent results, making them a great option for beginners. Again, I would recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your chicken before serving. Thanks for reading, and happy smoking! Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly newsletter, The BBQ Beat, and never miss a new recipe! How long does to smoke a 6-pound chicken? If you choose to leave the skin on, it will help protect the meat from drying out. And be sure to tie the legs together so the stuffing doesnt fall out during cooking. Traeger Whole Smoked Chicken By Traeger Kitchen (0) Wrap your next poultry cook with a little smoke. When you have time to go low and slow, why not infuse your chicken with as much smoke flavor as you can? It takes approximately 2-3 hours to smoke a whole chicken at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine all ingredients for the chicken rub in a small bowl and mix it well. Punch holes in the top for ventilation. Lightly oil the rack. To date she has created over 550 recipes that millions of people cook every month, making Hey Grill Hey a name synonymous with amazing BBQ. (Overnight at the most.). -A 9 to 10-pound chicken will take about 6 hours. This whole chicken is brined, seasoned with our chicken rub, lemon, garlic, and fresh thyme, and mesquite-smoked for some smokin' flavor. Place your seasoned chicken in your smoker and cook for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165 degrees. Choose the perfect wood chip type, and you can elevate the taste profile of your meal perfectly. Your email address will not be published. Be warned, it is a long process. These are all great questions, and the answer to each one can vary depending on personal preference. Smoke it for 3-4 hours. When the smoker reaches 220F, put the chicken on the rack. The main advantage is the reduced cooking time from removing the back. Then, smoke it for 3-4 hours. Here are a few of our favorites: These are just a few ideas get creative and serve your smoked chicken with whatever you like! Remember, the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Soak the chicken in a simple brine for 4 hours. For more tips, check out this article on smoking chicken. Smoking one 4-pound chicken will take about 3 hours or 45 minutes per pound. (Large size chicken could take up to 5 hours.). Just rub your chicken down with a spice blend and smoke it for 3-4 hours. 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. Just place it in a baking dish and heat it in the oven at 325F until its heated through. Cut the chicken into pieces, or shred it with a fork, and enjoy! Add 3 to 4 wood chunks over the coals. Insert a digital probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast diagonally, not touching the bone. For a whole chicken that is 8-10 pounds, it will take 4-5 hours to smoke using the indirect heat method. Whole smoked chicken is so much better than chicken roasted in the oven or rotisserie. Smoking meat is my absolute favorite way to prepare it. If you have leftovers, you can easily reheat your smoked chicken. That said, I can give you some general tips to help you figure out the best time for smoking your chicken. It takes about 3-4 hours to smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Its a simple process of prepping, seasoning, and smoking. If youre using a whole chicken, the first step is to remove the giblets. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, and to smoke the chicken for 30 minutes per pound. This recipe for a smoked whole chicken rub is the perfect blend of spices to give your chicken a nice flavor. 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 . Im always happy to help! If compared with other smoked recipes, it consumes much less time giving an incredible flavour. Lightly pull the breast skin from the flesh. Let the chicken cook for 4 hours. Then, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. 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 smoked entire chicken's cooking time will vary depending on how you've prepared it, the temperature you've chosen, and the desired outcome. To ensure that your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This will ensure that your chicken is cooked through, but not overcooked. How long to smoke whole chicken at 225 per pound? Carefully submerge chicken into the brine solution and make sure its fully covered. This recipe was created for you, backyard griller! If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. Avoid using strong-flavored woods like mesquite or hickory, as they can make your chicken taste bitter. Dry off your wood chips and divide into two groups. This 4 1/2 pound bird took about 4 hours. Its unlike anything else youll have ever tasted before. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. You can use a syringe to inject a flavorful marinade directly into the meat. Well, no, you dont HAVE to brine the chicken. How long to bake chicken drumsticks at 400? Smoked Whole Chicken FAQ: How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees? And thats it! Aim to cook the chicken at 225F/110C for the best results. You can use a larger chicken if you like, but keep in mind that it will take longer to smoke. 1. If youre using cut-up chicken pieces, you can skip the giblet removal and rinsing steps. It is important to note that smoking times are only estimates. How Long Should I Leave the Smoked Whole Chicken On the Smoker? This is a simple combination of onions, garlic, and lemon to give the chicken some more moisture and flavor from the inside. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Smoke 5. This guide will teach you how long to smoke a whole chicken so that you can perfectly cook your chicken every time. Then, finish it off in the oven for 10-15 minutes. -Step 2: Season the Whole Chicken: If you wake up in the morning and realize that you are smoking chicken today and you forgot to brine, you can do without. Its easy! Thats around the time when the chicken starts to give out its amazing aroma, filling the air in the backyard and on the patio. Place your chicken directly on the grill grates on your smoker. This will make enough for a couple of whole chickens. This chicken is brined over-night to ensure maximum flavor and seasoning for a knock out smoked chicken. Preheat a smoker to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Required fields are marked *. Susie Bulloch founded Hey Grill Hey in 2015 with one desire: To help people make better BBQ. 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. Porterhouse vs Ribeye: What is the Difference? Once a steady temperature has been achieved, place the chicken, breast side up directly on the grill grates. Smoking whole chicken is one of the easiest ways to add some smoky flavor to your food. I prefer to dry brine my chicken, but you can also rub it with a wet or dry rub. HOW LONG TO SMOKE A WHOLE CHICKEN Open the lid, place the chicken on the grate, and close the lid right away. Just mix all of the ingredients together and rub them all over your chicken. Its tender, incredibly juicy, and full of flavor. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Here at Hey Grill Hey, were in the business of helping you make better BBQ, feed the people you love, and become a backyard BBQ hero. If you want crispy skin on your chicken, increase the heat in your smoker to 375-500 degrees F for the final 8-10 degree climb. Once your chicken is fully cooked, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Theyre typically less expensive than other types of smokers, and theyre easy to use. The total cook time will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the cooking temperature. However, if you like, you can wrap it in foil for the last hour of smoking. If youre smoking a 5 lb chicken, it will take about 2 hours at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Spatchcock chicken by placing the breast down on a work surface. I prefer to smoke whole chicken at 250 F / 121 C. This temperature is not too hot and not too cool. This can take about 2-4 hours in total, but will ultimately depend on when the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165F (75C). We love a good rub, dont you? Print Shop Ingredients Prep Time 10 Minutes Cook Time 3 Hours Pellets Mesquite Ingredients These beautiful skinless fillets are rich in omega. How Long to Smoke a Whole Chicken at 250 Degrees When you use a smoker temperature of 250 degrees, estimate about 45 minutes for every pound of chicken. Now that your chicken is cooked through, its time to slice and serve. Set up your smoker and get it to a steady 225. How long does to smoke a whole chicken? For most smokers, it will take about 2-3 hours to smoke a chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Powered by the ESHA Research Database 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -Charcoal smokers: Charcoal smokers use charcoal as their fuel source. This encourages the meat to absorb the water, leaving it moist when cooked. Preheat your smoker to 225F/110C. Cooking chicken at a low(ish . 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. There's really not that much to it. How to Smoke a Chicken Smoking a whole chicken using this recipe can be a long but satisfying process with a delicious end result. You want your smoker to be nice and hot before you put your chicken in. 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. So, how do you go about smoking a whole chicken? Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through before removing it from the smoker. Here's what you'll need to do: -Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker To 225F: This is important! 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. Once youve chosen your chicken, its time to prepare it for smoking. These are just a few of the many ways you can smoke a whole chicken. As a chef, Tad Johnson has always been fascinated by the way food can bring people together. This smoked bison roast recipe is proof, The best St Patrick's BBQ recipes from the web. Close the lid right away and do not open it again until the chicken is done. Wrap both in an aluminum foil pouch each. 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. Consider it an easy and tasty weekend meal prep. (2 quarts cold water, 1/3 cup non-iodized salt, 1/4 cup sugar) Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees Fahrenheit, and up to 325 degrees if your smoker can do it. How long to cook the whole chicken: it could take 2.5-3 hours for the average whole chicken. Review. 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. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Before smoking the chicken, trim away any excess fat and skin. Place the chicken in the charcoal smoker. A crucial but often neglected part of meat cooking is seasoning, and the same is true when it comes to meat smoking. Yes, you can use either a gas or charcoal grill to smoke chicken. Rinse a whole chicken. Stick it in the thickest part of the breast, and make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the smoker. Insert digital meat thermometer probe into the chicken breast and place it on the grate. Conversely, if your smoker is running low, it will take longer to cook the chicken. Its so good! 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. Put the whole chicken in the smoker. This smoked chicken salad sandwich is a great way to use up your leftover chicken. If using a charcoal smoker, place this pouch immediately on top of the charcoals. Let it cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F, while the thighs should fall between 170-175F. Brined over night in 50/50 mixture Ocean Spray Cranberry 100% and water,just enough to cover the bird in a stock pot,1/4 cup salt dissolved in with the liquid.Pulled it out this morning patted dry and onto the stand and then back into the fridge to fully dry.Pulled back out a couple of hours later and dusted with about a mason jar lids worth of . Pat chicken dry with a couple of paper towels all around. Preheat smoker to 220F. We also sell an award-winning Chicken Seasoning if you want something with a ton of flavor and just a touch of heat. Cook for about 4 hours, or until cooked through. Cut any excess skin off of the chicken, and remove any gizzard bag, or innards. 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! Then, serve it with a green salad. I attribute the taste and texture to the three simple features: brining, stuffing, and chicken dry rub. Chicken rub stays on the skin but chicken brine does help flavor the meat internally. 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. This guide has taught you how long to smoke a whole chicken so that you can perfectly cook your chicken every time. French Press Vs Pour Over: Which Method Makes Better Coffee? Before you put the chicken in the smoker, give it a good wash and trim off any loose fat and skin. He also likes to stay active by playing basketball and hiking outdoors. The best temperature to smoke a whole chicken is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Just preheat your oven to 425F and place the chicken on a baking sheet. This low and slow start will let the smoke flavor penetrate the bird. Preparing and Smoking the Chicken. For the brine, simply combine salt, sugar, and lemon slices in 2 quarts of water until its dissolved. I find that it cooks more evenly without foil. That said, you can typically expect to smoke a whole chicken for about 3-4 hours. Smoke at about 250 F/120 C until the temperature at the center of the chicken breast reaches about 185 F/85 C and the thighs reach 195 . Heres how to defrost chicken fast. 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. Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the grill, slice, and serve. Best gas grills under $1000 Reviews and Buying Guides, Top 15 Best Kitchen Faucets Consumer Reports? 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. It takes about 2-4 hours to smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees. If you made any of my recipes and shared them onInstagram, make sure to tag me @grillingsmokingliving and #grillingsmokingliving so I can see all the things you tried! Remove your soaked wood chips from the water and dry off any excess water. 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. If you want to buy some pre-made Signature Sweet Rub (available in both small and large bottles!) If your smoker is running hot, it will cook the chicken faster. Stir until combined then transfer into a shaker container. Again, this all depends on the specific smoker and chicken youre using. Related: Best 2 Burner Gas Grill Consumer Reports. Choose whichever method you prefer. Pat chicken dry with a couple of paper towels and generously rub it with the seasoning mix. How to grill frozen burgers? This recipe will serve 4-6 people, depending on how it is served. Smoking your chicken is a great way to save money on your food budget. Now that you know how long to smoke a whole chicken, its time to get started on your smoked chicken recipe! For a heartier version, rub your chicken down with a lemon and herb blend. You will want to rub in the seasoning between here so that we can get the flavors into the meat as much as possible. Every time you open the door, heat escapes and it takes longer for the chicken to cook. 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. Place the whole chicken in your Traeger and cook at it at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-60 minutes. While you can pick any flavor combination you like, I urge you to stay consistent with chicken and select an appropriate one that will match the meat perfectly. Nowhere is this more true than with a whole chicken. Need to thaw your chicken quickly? Pin 4.55 from 11 votes Smoked Whole Chicken I like to stash up the extra meat and save it for other tasty meals like enchiladas, buffalo chicken dip, or on nachos. A smoking whole chicken is a great way to add some smoky flavor to your next meal! Your email address will not be published. No cutting corners here. It takes about 24 hours to dry brine a chicken. 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). Then, let it sit for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really penetrate the meat. Once inserted, close the lid and check the temperature again after about one hour. 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. People often wonder how long to smoke a whole chicken. Please try again. I like to cook my chicken on a pellet grill at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. -Make sure theres enough ventilation: Good ventilation is key when smoking chicken. I don't recommend rubbing in your seasoning because it will just pull back on the skin and your seasoning will chunk. 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. No, this is not the Thanksgiving stuffing you are thinking about. 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. you can also use this brine for a grilled whole chicken. 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. The best way to know for sure is to use a meat thermometer. How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 350? Starting at the tail end, cut along both sides of the backbone with kitchen shears. -Offset smokers: These smokers have a firebox attached to one side, with the smoking chamber offset from the fire. Related:Camp Chef vs Traeger: Pellet Grill comparison. Generously rub it with the seasoning mix. Turn the breast so it's facing up. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken, the type of smoker, and the temperature at that you are smoking. 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. If your smoker is running at 225 degrees Fahrenheit, it will take about 6 hours to smoke a 6-pound chicken. You can brine chicken at least 4 hours in advance or overnight. You can use any type of seasoning you like from a simple salt and pepper rub to a more complex spice blend. 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