How To Smoke A Whole Chicken In An Electric Smoker?

After receiving a great response from our guide to buying an electric smoker and how to use it in the most efficient way possible, we have come to you with the best recipe you can find online on how to smoke an entire chicken in your electric smoker.

Here we are going to discuss in detail all the little nuances you need to look for so that you can get the juiciest and most deliciously smoked chicken ever. 

Recipe to Cook a Whole Chicken In An Electric Smoker

This recipe is an all-time favorite of ours. With wet brine and spices that are bursting with barbecue flavor, you know this smoked chicken is going to be the next big deal at your summer barbecue session.

🕑 Prep time: 20 minutes	20 minutes
♨️Cook time:	4 hours
🕚Total time:	4 hours 20 minutes
🥩 Servings:	4 Persons

Instructions

1. Make sure that your chicken is tied properly from its legs and wings.
2. Cover your entire chicken with a thin layer of butter. If needed, you can add more of it.
3. Take a bowl and put all your spices in it. Mix it all and start applying it to the chicken including its cavities.
4. Carefully pull over the chicken’s skin and rub the mixture inside it as well.
5. Heat your electric smoker at 200°F(93.33°C) which can take about 2-4 hours approximately.
6. After your smoker is all fired up, drop the heat to 165°F(75°C).
7. Place the chicken into the smoker and smoke it till a beautiful reddish-brown color appears on the chicken, this might take more than 3 hours.
8. Let the chicken rest for about 10 -15 minutes before carving it open.
9. Enjoy 

So after putting out the best recipe that you can find out there to get a perfectly smoked chicken, here are a few extra tips and tricks that could help you get through this process smoothly.

Cutting Down the Chicken

Before putting your chicken to marinate most people like to cut it so that it helps in an even cook. You can ask your local butcher to help out with this or You can do it yourself by following three simple steps:

1. Remove the innards of the chicken, this includes the neck as well as the liver and whatever comes along it.
2. Cut down the breast portion by slicing it in half, while still being attached to the chicken.
3. Split the chicken by breaking its sternum and pulling apart the breast 

This would help the spices to seep deeply into the chicken, making it juicy and tender as well as well smoked.

Best Wood for Smoking Chicken

To find the best wood to smoke your chicken use a wood that does not have a strong pungent smell and will not overpower the taste of the delicious BBQ rub that you just made. 

Use a neutral hardwood or a fruity one that won’t leave its smell on the chicken and is proven to be great for smoking meat or any other food item. Woods like oak, cherry, and applewood would be a great example of this.

Get a Moist Smoked Chicken

Smoked chicken is one of the best ways to show off your barbecuing skills at a party and no one can tell us otherwise. And the cherry on top, it could be juicier than any ribs you would have. 

To make this possible, make sure that your chicken is brined and marinated beforehand, at least a night before. This would let all the flavors of the different spices you used to soak into your meat and give that tenderness that we all crave.

The After Gravy

The best part about this recipe is that you don’t have to make gravy with separate ingredients. When your chicken is smoked and rested you can use all juices that have spilled from it into the tray and use it as gravy by simply thickening it on the stove.

Conclusion

This recipe ensures that you’ll get the most tender and flavourful chicken you have ever had. It is a great recipe to make in your electric smoker, as the grills allow you to crisp the skin of the chicken while the meat remains juicy from inside. Ensuring a perfect BBQ session with your loved ones.