Smoked Juicy Chicken

Smoked juicy chicken is expertly smoked and bathed in a robust blend of spices. The melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of this chicken is a culinary delight you need to experience firsthand.

A whole, smoked chicken on a tray.

This delectable smoked juicy chicken, enveloped in a medley of spices and lovingly smoked to perfection, promises to be more than just a meal – it’s a voyage into a world of culinary delight. With its rich and smoky flavor, it marries beautifully with the hearty spices that provide a symphony of taste with each bite. This easy-to-make dish invites you to experience the warmth of Southern hospitality right in your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a weekend get-together or looking for a weekday dinner surprise, this is a feast for your senses, sure to make any meal unforgettable.

Smokers On the Menu: A Guide to Smokers and Their effect On Meat

A smoker is a specialized cooking appliance designed to cook meats at low temperatures for extended periods while infusing them with rich, smoky flavors. The slow-cooking process breaks down the connective tissues in the meat, resulting in exceptional tenderness. 

There are several types of smokers available, and each type offers unique advantages and imparts distinct flavors to the meat:

  • Charcoal
  • Electric
  • Gas
  • Pellet
  • Wood-fired

Charcoal and wood-fired smokers are favored by traditionalists for their authentic smoky taste.
Electric and gas smokers offer greater convenience and temperature control. 
Pellet smokers combine the benefits of both, using wood pellets to generate smoke and an electric heating element for precise temperature management. 

No matter which type of smoker you choose, the key to success is maintaining a consistent temperature and selecting the right type of wood or fuel to complement your chosen cut of meat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken with a side of grilled veggies or a refreshing coleslaw to balance the hearty flavors of the chicken. For an authentic Southern experience, pair it with some creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy biscuits.

A whole smoked chicken on a baking sheet.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? No problem! Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you like this recipe, you may be interested in these delicious smoking and grilling recipes:

Smoked Juicy Chicken

A whole, smoked chicken on a tray.

Smoked juicy chicken is expertly smoked and bathed in a robust blend of spices. The melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of this chicken is a culinary delight you need to experience firsthand.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients
  • 1 whole chicken 3-4 pounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
  • Preheat your smoker or pellet grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, thyme, and black pepper to create the spice mixture.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, ensuring an even coating. Rub the chicken with the prepared spice mixture. Be sure to distribute some of the seasoning under the skin for enhanced flavor.
  • Place the chicken directly on the grill grate, breast side up. Smoke the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • To finish cooking and to achieve a crispy skin, increase the smoker temperature to between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue to roast until the thickest part of the chicken breast reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The actual cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken.
  • Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. Enjoy your smoked juicy chicken!

Nutrition

Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 583mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 507IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Smoked Juicy Chicken