Smoking a chicken is EASY! Wow your taste buds with this melt-in-your-mouth smoked chicken! Prepped with a brown sugar, smoky paprika, and garlic based rub, this smoked chicken recipe tastes amazing!
Who doesn't love the taste of smoked meat? And I especially love smoked chicken. I've never met anyone who didn't get excited about sitting down to eat a meal that had some type of smoked meat, like slow smoked baby back BBQ ribs or a smoked pork shoulder for pulled pork barbecue sandwiches. Smoked meat is absolutely delicious!
And this Applewood smoked chicken is no different. It's fantastic! It's quick to prep, easy to smoke, and incredibly juicy. It pairs well with so many different side dishes like these creamy homemade deviled eggs, this grilled corn on the cob, and these smoked baked beans! I tell you...it's DELISH!
Smoking a whole chicken has never been easier. Anyone can do it. If you're new to smoking meat, this is a great beginner recipe to make. Even if you have experience smoking meat, this recipe is a must-have in your collection of smoker recipes! Everyone loves the smoky flavor and the taste of this tender meat.
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✔️ Quick Recipe Overview
Why This Is The Best Smoked Chicken Recipe: This is a 5 out of 5 🌟 rated recipe! It's tender, juicy, and full of favor. Watch the video in the recipe card to see how easy it is to smoke a chicken!
How Long It Takes: Marinate 12-24 hours. Smoke for 4-5 hours
Equipment You'll Need: charcoal, gas, electric, or pellet smoker
ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works
1. This smoked chicken can be made using any type of smoker.
2. No brining needed! The meat turns out incredibly moist and tender because you smoke it low and slow.
3. You can use this recipe on a whole chicken, spatchcocked chicken, or individual chicken pieces!
🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
The smoked chicken rub is flavorful and easy to make using common spices typically found in your pantry. It's the perfect mix of smoky and sweet.
- Whole Chicken - use a 4-5 pound whole chicken so that it will cook more evenly while smoking. This larger size also retains moisture better than the smaller ones.
- Dark Brown Sugar - contains molasses which adds more sweetness to the rub.
- Chili Powder - adds a hint of spice that pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar.
- Smoked Paprika - gives the rub a subtle smoky flavor.
- Onion Powder - pairs well with the other spices and gives the rub a well rounded flavor.
- Garlic Powder - adds a hint of garlic and savory flavor.
- Oregano - adds an additional layer of flavor to the rub which takes the flavor to a whole new level.
- Salt - adding salt to the rub improves the overall taste by providing a savory element.
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list & instructions!
📋 Variations
- When it comes to smoking a chicken, you can either smoke it whole or spatchcock it.
- For more richness and added flavor, baste it with melted butter a couple of times while it's smoking.
- If using a water pan, try adding a 1 tablespoon of Liquid Smoke to the water. This will add to the smoky flavor.
- When you slow smoke a whole chicken, the skin can become dry and rubbery. And for those who love to eat the skin, you'll want to make sure it's moist and delicious. To get that delicious and moist skin, take a large cheesecloth and soak it in melted butter. Drape it over the chicken before you put it in the smoker. Smoke the whole chicken with the cheesecloth on the entire time and then remove it 30 minutes before it's done smoking.
🔪 How Spatchcock A Chicken
You can smoke a whole chicken with great results, but there is a benefit to spatchcocking. Spatchcocking is a cooking technique where you remove the backbone to split and flatten the bird. When it's flattened, it cooks faster and more evenly than a whole bird. This method results in juicier and more tender meat. I also use this method when making this roasted apple cider chicken!
Step 1: To spatchcock the chicken, start by removing and discarding the innards, such as the neck and liver that may be stuffed in the middle. Then place it on a cutting board.
👩🍳 Important Note: It's not necessary to rinse the chicken. Doing so can actually increase the risk of cross-contamination by the splashing of the water which can spread harmful bacteria around your sink and kitchen. The smoking process will kill the bacteria as long as it's cooked to the proper internal temperate.
Step 2: Using a pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut along one side of the backbone from the tail to the neck.
Step 3: Repeat on the other side to remove the backbone completely.
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Step 4: Turn the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it out.
The spatchcocked chicken is now ready to be seasoned and then smoked.
📖 Preparing The Smoker
Depending on the type of smoker you use will depend on how you prep it.
- Light the smoker and preheat it to 225°F before adding the meat.
- If you're using a water pan, use a disposable pan or wrap the water bowl with aluminum foil before adding the water. There are a lot of drippings when smoking and this will make cleanup easier after the smoke.
- Depending on what type of smoker you use will determine if you use wood chips, wood chunks, or pellets. If using wood chunks, they should last the entire smoke time without having to refill the pan. If you use wood chips, they will burn out by the end of the smoke time so check them every 1.5-2 hours and add more as needed.
🐔 How To Smoke A Whole Chicken
Step 1: Start by applying the rub and allow it to marinate. Take the rub and sprinkle it all over the chicken.
👩🍳 Chef's Note: Make sure to press the rub in really well, especially under the skin. This helps enhance the flavor. You want the chicken to be completely covered with the rub.
Step 2: Next, place the chicken in a large dish, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator. Allow it to marinate for 12-24 hours.
Step 3: Prep the smoker and once it has preheated to 225°F, put it on a rack in the smoker breast side up.
Step 4: Insert a meat thermometer into the side of the breast ensuring it doesn't touch any part of the bone.
Step 5: Let it smoke low and slow. The method of smoking at a low temperature allows more flavor to build over a longer cook time.
Once the internal meat thermometer reaches 165°F, it's done. Remove it from the smoker and wrap it loosely with aluminum foil. This helps keeps it warm.
Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and settle within the meat, resulting in an incredibly moist and more flavorful meat.
Look at that gorgeous smoked chicken! Smoked to perfection, it's incredibly juicy and makes for the perfect dinner!
🙋🏼 Recipe FAQs
Smoking low and slow won't get you the crispy chicken skin you're looking for. One method you can introduce is to start smoking at 225°F and then increase the smoker temperature to around 300°F toward the end of the smoking process. If you use this method, you have to be careful and do it just right so the meat doesn't dry out.
Another option is to brine the chicken and then smoke it at 325°F the entire time to try and get crispy skin. It can be done, you just have to adjust the smoking process.
I'm a fan of the low and slow process because that's the method that results in juicy and tender meat. Smoke a whole chicken, spatchcock chicken, and individual pieces between 225°F-250°F.
Apple wood works best with this recipe, but any mild flavored wood will work well. Pecan and cherry wood are all great choices!
There are 2 ways to ensure the meat doesn't dry out during smoking:
1. Smoking meat low and slow helps allows the meat to cook slowly and evenly. This gentle cooking process ensures the meat doesn't dry out and that the heat has enough time to penetrate the meat, breaking down the connective tissues and making it tender.
2. Ensure you don't overcook it. Remove the chicken from the smoker as soon as the internal meat thermometer reaches 165°F.
💭 Expert Tips
- Ensure the chicken is completely thawed before applying the rub and smoking it.
- For best results, let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
- I use (and recommend) wood chunks instead of wood chips for this recipe. Using larger pieces of wood produces a greater amount of smoke, enhancing the flavor of the meat.
- Always smoke to temperature, not time. As a general rule, you can estimate approximately 1.5 to 2 hours of smoking time per pound of chicken. Always use a digital meat thermometer when smoking meat to monitor the temperature of the meat. When it reaches 165°F, it's done.
- When using a smoker, the temperature will range back and forth several degrees. For best results, keep the smoker between 225°F and 250°F. But don't let it go over 250°F.
- Store in a container with a lid in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, reheat in the oven until warm. To ensure the meat doesn't dry out, add a small amount of chicken broth.
🍽️ Other Smoked Foods You'll Love
If you tried this smoked chicken or any other recipes on my website, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing from you! And, please leave a 🌟 rating while you're there!
👩🍳 Looking for more information about smoking meat? Are you looking for more smoker recipes? I recently published a smoking cookbook that contains 65 smoker recipes that anyone can make!
Order your of Smoking Meat Made Easy copy today!
Applewood Smoked Chicken
Equipment
- Smoker any type
Ingredients
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 whole chicken, 4 to 5 pounds
Instructions
How To Spatchcock A Whole Chicken
- Start by removing and discarding the innards, such as the neck and liver that may be stuffed in the middle of the chicken. Place the whole chicken on a cutting board.
- Using a pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut along one side of the backbone from the tail to the neck.
- Repeat on the other side to remove the backbone completely.
- Turn the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it out.
How To Smoke Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Generously cover the chicken with the rub. Make sure to press the rub into the chicken really well, especially under the skin. You want the chicken to be completely covered with the rub.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.
- After the chicken has marinated, prep the smoker accordingly and preheat it until the smoker reaches 225°F.
- Once the smoker has preheated, put the whole chicken on a rack in the smoker breast side up. Insert a meat thermometer into the side of the chicken breast ensuring it doesn't touch any part of the bone.
- Smoke the chicken at about 225°F until the internal meat thermometer reaches 165°F.
- When the chicken is done, remove it from the smoker.
- Wrap it loosely with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Video
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is completely thawed before applying the rub and smoking the chicken.
- I use (and recommend) wood chunks instead of wood chips for this recipe. Using larger pieces of wood produces a greater amount of smoke, enhancing the flavor of the meat.
- Always smoke to temperature, not time. Use a digital meat thermometer when smoking meat to monitor the temperature of the meat.
- When using a smoker, the temperature will range back and forth several degrees. For best results, keep the smoker between 225°F and 250°F. But don't let it go over 250°F.
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Billl
I plan on using this recipe this weekend. I was wondering if you ever brined your chicken before putting the dry rub on? Would it make much a difference? Thanks!!
Amanda Mason
Hi Bill!
You can, although with this recipe you don't have to. The reason I don't is because this chicken recipe is so ridiculously juicy and tender, I don't feel it needs it. But it's not going to hurt anything at all if you choose to brine it!
Tom
I did not brine mine. I rarely brine any meats, only when I smoke salmon do I do a couple hour brine. After trying wet/dry brines with meats in the past, I really cannot tell a difference when a meat is brined or not.
Amanda Mason
I agree, unless I'm smoking pork or fish. Then I tend to brine often.
Bill
Awesome thanks! I’ll let you know how this turns out!
Scarlet
Wow. This sounds like a fun new way for me to cook my favorite protein! I can't wait to try this applewood smoked chicken. Yum.
Tom
Fantastic. Simple, easy and absolutely delicious. I have to please a wife on a healthy diet, a 16 year old boy and a 13 year old boy. All were quiet as church mice and could not get enough. Took 5 hours on the dot. Awesome.
Amanda Mason
Yeah!!! Thanks so much Tom for writing in and letting me know!! I'm SOOOO glad it was a hit at your house!! It's absolutely a tried and true super favorite recipe!! So glad you all loved it!! Thanks for following my recipes!
Marie Daniel
Hi Amanda,
Great and easy recipe. You did a great job. even a first timer can easily smoke chicken following each step.
Cheers,
Amanda Mason
Hi Marie! I'm sooo glad you liked the recipe and thought the process was easy! Thank you so much for writing in today!
Rebecca Larkin
Can you use a brown sugar substitute, instead of brown sugar?
Amanda Mason
Hi Rebecca! Yep - that should work just fine!
Rudy
From my wife and I (and our hungry 2 year old girl who quietly ate all the bits of chicken she got), thank you for this 5-star recipe! Being our first foray into dry rubs and low-n-slow, there was a lot of anxiety during the whole process. We were rather worried at first because the rub smelled just like the powder that comes with Maggi instant noodles which we have here in Malaysia. Chicken sat in the fridge for 2 days, and went into the PK for a couple of hours. Wow! Certainly didn't taste like instant noodle powder! In fact, this recipe has (sadly?) demolished some of our previous favourite chicken places from the ranking table!
We paired the chicken with coleslaw and coriander butter rice, and will do corn on the cob the next round, which is tomorrow night. Making more of the rub now, and we will probably just label the jar as "Amanda's Chicken Rub". Just wondering if you've tried the same rub with other meats, or perhaps with a different wood, something heavier like hickory perhaps? Anyway, thanks again for the winner recipe, and a well-detailed write-up.
Amanda Mason
Wow Rudy - thank you so so much for the kind words! I feel honored to be on a jar in your cabinet! You made my day!! The rub would work well on pork. Pecan, cherry and apple word are the best for this recipe. Hickory tends to be overbearing for my taste but you are welcome to try it and see if you like it! I'm so glad your family loved this recipe! Thank you for following me! I have a lot of other smoker recipes on my website, too so check them out.
Marion Thompson (Melbourne, Australia)
I made your chicken using our new charcoal smoker (this was only the second time we've used it) and the result was absolutely wonderful. The chicken was not only very tasty, but moist and juicy. Will definitely be doing this again. Thanks for the recipe.
Amanda Mason
Hi Marion! I love that you enjoyed the recipe and I love that the recipe made its way all the way to Australia!! How wonderful!! Thank you so much for letting me know that you liked it!!!
Marion Thompson (Melbourne, Australia)
I'm going back to your site today to see if there are other recipes!
Amanda Mason
I have a lot of smoker recipes here: https://recipesworthrepeating.com/category/recipes/smoking/
Debbie Cole
I tried the applewood smoked chicken recipe as written. It was excellent. So moist and tender. In addition, I followed the brisket recipe from Amanda's site on the same day, starting the brisket first and later adding the chicken. My guests were floored by the taste of both. Thank you, Amanda!
Amanda Mason
Debbie!! I'm so glad to hear you liked my smoked chicken recipe AND my brisket recipe!! I love that your dinner guests were happy and satisfied!! You made my day! Thank you for letting me know how much you loved these 2 recipes!!!
David Bragg
The recipe looks great and I intend to try it out in the next week or two. I noticed an interesting departure in your recipe that I would like to suggest for improvement. If you butterfly the chicken from the breast-side, you end up with the breasts on the outside and unprotected from the more forgiving dark meat. If you flip it over and cut out the backbone, it will allow the breast to be nestled and centered between dark meat. Since dark meat can handle hotter temps than breast meat, you have a more evenly cooked bird. This change will give you the best breast meat you have ever tasted I suspect.
Amanda Mason
Really interesting points, David!! If you smoke this chicken that way please leave me a comment to let me know how it turned out!! I'd love to add this method to the tips section if you find it turns out well!
Debbie Cole
I gave this a five star rating but it is premature. I will be using this recipe in two days. I’d also like to smoke a brisket. At the same time. Any recommendations on what to sharing the smoker together? I have no problem using Applewood for the brisket.
Amanda Mason
Hi Debbie! Check out my recipe for smoked brisket here: https://recipesworthrepeating.com/smoked-brisket/. Yes, you can smoke the brisket and chicken together on the smoker, since you want to smoke them both low and slow at 225 degrees. Just place the brisket on one rack and the chicken on another and follow the articles I wrote for each and you will be just fine!!