She has nearly 7 years experience writing news and lifestyle content. Season your chicken with dry rub and olive oil. The chicken skin can burn if you are not careful. Make sure you test the chickens temperature before you remove it from the smoker. This technique results in the most evenly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that is super tender and juicy! Lets take a closer look at how long it takes to smoke a 5 lb chicken. Don't open the lid again until chicken is done. Combine all ingredients for the chicken rub in a small bowl and mix it well. All images are copyrighted to their respective owners. Coat the chicken with oil evenly, then season both the skin side and the bottom side with your preferred rub. Try mixing in a handful of these chips with one of the milder woods, just for an extra hit of flavor. If you own an electric smoker manufactured by Traeger, Masterbuilt, Bradley, or Cookshack brand, then it would be effortless to smoke anything in that smoker because these renowned brands manufacture the worlds best electric smokers and other items. In fact, you can start the smoke at 225, then raise it for the last hour or so to speed things along. So, one must be very careful with the time when cooking whole chicken in a smoker. You can also cut the breasts in half to more pieces. During shorter smokes like that, I just sit on the patio and hang out. This process can take several hours, depending on how much meat is on the bird. Sure, they take a long time but this is par for the course when it comes to BBQ smoking. The meal chicken is among very few meats that can effortlessly cook in less time. Tuck the wings beneath the bird. To customize the flavor of your smoked chicken, you can use a dry rub. Generally, it takes about 45-60 minutes to cook at 225F. Next, preheat your grill to 225F. And, yep, its smokey. Buffalo sauce is the traditional choice for this cut, but barbecue sauce helps to balance out the smokiness. Check out our easy step-by-step instructions below. Towards the end of cooking, you can baste it with your favorite barbecue sauce if thats your style. I attribute the taste and texture to the three simple features: brining, stuffing, and chicken dry rub. That being said the best way to track when your bird is done is to keep track of the internal temp. Tent the breast meat loosely with foil and let it rest while the thighs and legs cook. Using an approximately 4lb whole chicken (fully thawed and cavity empty) and smoking at 225 degrees F. it will take approximately 3.5 - 4.5 hours to smoked a whole chicken. Lubbock, TX 79410. For this purpose, you can use meat thermometers too. Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base Recipe: Easy Step By Step! Chicken that has been smoked has a deep, rich flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Remove the bird from the smoker when it has a temperature of 160F. If you touch the bone, pull back just a little bit. The bone protruding from one end gives diners something to grip while they gnaw the chicken off the other, meatier end. Required fields are marked *. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a24127de897c5d48322d74306c67e88d" );document.getElementById("a34728bea9").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn how to make a smokehouse-quality chicken at home on a simple charcoal grill. Refer to our list of the best side dishes for barbecued and grilled chicken for more inspiration. Types of wood for smoking chicken: apple, pecan, maple, cherry. 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. However, check the chickens temperature after 2 1/2 hours to assess its progress. In addition, electric smokers themselves provide worry-less cooking sessions, as they are more like a set and forget smokers. Firstly, it is essential to preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Its that easy! before smoking. This will allow you to track your progress with greater accuracy. Read more great BBQ articles at Bob's BBQ Tips, on How Long to Smoke a Chicken in a 225-Degree Smoker, Smoking Beef A Delicious Way to Cook Delicious Meat. We would suggest smoking the chicken wings for 45 minutes at 225, then flipping them over and allowing them to smoke for an additional 45 minutes. You can also make huge batches of this rub and just store it in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum shelf-life. Remove any giblets from the cavity if they haven't already been removed. While all these methods are delicious, none of them compare to smoking a whole chicken. Punch holes in the top for ventilation and so that the smoke that will emanate from the chips can escape. Smoking should take anywhere from 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Set up your smoker and get it to a steady 225. Our team has spent hundreds of hours researching products. You can omit the cayenne if you dont like it too spicy, add herbs you love to get your personal touch. Smoke for 45 minutes per pound of chicken, and cook until the chicken breast hits an internal temperature of 165F (75C) and the thighs reach 170F (77C). Learn more about why you. If you're in a hurry, you might consider cranking up the heat for at least part of the process. It will prevent the bird from overcooking. If you want to brine or marinate the chicken, dont leave it in the mixture for too long. When your chicken is done, the internal temperature of the breast should be somewhere between 160 to 165 degrees F, while the thighs should be somewhere between 170 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Whole Smoked Chicken Recipe Video - How to smoke whole chicken What you need to smoke a whole chicken Whole Chicken - Start with a 5-7lb whole chicken from your local grocery store. 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. A smoked chicken has a rich smoky flavor and a tender, juicy meat. Melanie Fincher is a Birmingham, Alabamabased food writer who covers everything from cooking techniques to gadget reviews. The cooking time depends on the size and type of chicken youre smoking. This encourages the meat to absorb the water, leaving it moist when cooked. Rinse a whole chicken. We're going to talk about how to smoke chicken at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. A 5 pound chicken will take about 2 1/2 to three hours to smoke. - Check Kitchen. How Long Does it Take to Smoke a Whole Chicken? Just follow the instructions for smoking chicken on your grill. How to Store Leftover Chicken How to Reheat Leftover Smoked Chicken How to Use Leftover Chicken Smoked Chicken Recipes Whole Smoked Chicken Recipe Ingredients How to Smoke a Whole Chicken You can also use hickory wood if you want that classic BBQ flavor. Spread the legs out and tuck the wings under to keep them in place. Whole smoked chicken is so much better than chicken roasted in the oven or rotisserie. Heres how to smoke a whole chicken. Resting the chicken will let the juices redistribute back into the bird. If using an electric smoker then be sure to insert them following your smokers directions. You must know how long to smoke chicken at 225F to get the best results. It will show you how to smoke a whole chicken at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. 2021 Best Infrared Thermometer for Cooking- Check Kitchen, How Much Chicken Per Person ? Then, double check that your chicken appears white and milky with no blood spots (blood spots indicate tough chicken). One thing to note before you make your smoked chicken is that this method can result in dry, leathery, chicken skin. So whether you are cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, smoked chicken is sure to please everyone. Watch the video in the recipe card to see how easy it is to smoke a chicken! Dont add the meat to the smoker until the unit has achieved the right cooking temperature. Finally the fun part. Doing this will make the chicken skin soft. Similarly, in this guide, we are only focusing on the whole chicken, then one must know about the weight of meat in pounds before getting started. Just like you would with an oven or charcoal grill, we need to start up our smoker. Required fields are marked *, Animo Solutions LLC Make sure you would not open the lid of the smoker frequently. Set the chicken breast on the smoker with the skin side facing up. Insert digital meat thermometer probe into the chicken breast and place it on the grate. Place one pouch in your smoker, and leave the other to one side for later. Bring the legs together and tie them with cooking twine. It doesnt require the low and slow treatment that brisket does, because theres not as much fat and connective tissue involved. Every smoker is different, and every cut of meat cooks at its own pace. You'll also want to tie up the legs with a piece of twine to keep them from burning. Enjoy your whole smoked chicken as is, or use it in sandwiches, salads, or casserole dishes. How long to cook the whole chicken: it could take 2.5-3 hours for the average whole chicken. Dont brine your chicken for more than 24 hours as this will make the meat too salty. Take a few hours to brine the chicken for the best results, stuff it with some onion, garlic, and lemon, and finally, rub it with delicious chicken dry rub. In this case, you should remove the chicken from the smoker. It's tender, juicy, and full of favor. So, for chicken, we set our smoker temperature to 275 F minimum. Look no further! Pat chicken dry with a couple of paper towels all around. Even if you have the best smoking technique youre going to need some great quality meat in order to have a delicious smoked chicken. However be sure to check on it regularly as this time could still vary, so keep monitoring it until the chicken is fully cooked throughout. This will warm the meat slightly, helping to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken breasts should be 165 degrees F, while the thighs should fall between 170-175F. Drizzle the whole chicken with olive oil and season it generously on all sides with a dry rub. About smoked chicken Smoked chicken is a technique of cooking poultry [ 1 ], usually a whole chicken or pieces and parts, using smoke. Once you place it in the broiler, watch it carefully. Wrap both in an aluminum foil pouch each. Choose the perfect wood chip type, and you can elevate the taste profile of your meal perfectly. The chickens internal temperature will rise to 165F as it rests. Recipe. Remember, the breast is the leanest part of the chicken. That means a 4-pound chicken should be ready to come off the heat in 3 hours. Enjoy! Place the chicken on your smoker breast side up, and cook for about 2 hours. Rub the olive oil or butter all over the outside of the chicken. Its unlike anything else youll have ever tasted before. Preheat your smoker to 225F. When it comes to smoking chicken, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. After that, it may begin to show signs of spoilage. Smoking chicken is a great way to add flavor to the bird. Depending on the size of the whole chicken you are going to smoke, the cooking time may take anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to smoke the whole chicken until it is fully cooked throughout. A 5-pound chicken takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours to cook. A whole smoked chicken can take anywhere from three and a half to four hours at 225 degrees Fahrenheit, but the amount of time may vary depending on its size. You get the idea. Step 2: We're ready for smoking and prepare our smoker according to the manufacturer's directions, fill the water pan and set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Massage it into the chicken with your hands, making sure to get all the nooks and crannies. Apple, cherry, maple and pecan are all wonderful choices. Rich in flavor, and perfectly blended with a BBQ, We all know chicken breast and tenders, but with contrasts in size, shape, and price, there's more separating the two, American barbecue is one of the cornerstones of cuisine in the USA. Low cooking temperatures and long cooking times, Meat brining is a way to keep it moist and tender, Smoked Venison Ribs [Best Recipe, Brine, Rub, Wood]. The smoking can be done in many ways, either through indirect heat over several hours at a low temperature (usually 225F/107C) or with direct flame. After youve seasoned the thighs, let them sit at room temperature while you wait for the smoker to heat up. This step is entirely optional, though, as the chicken will taste just as good with just the rub itself. Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. Check the birds temperature after 3 hours. Its so good! How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 250F? Doing so will risk losing too much heat from the smoker and drying out the bird. Therefore, it is best to consult a trusted recipe or temperature guide to determine the optimal temperature for properly cooked and flavorful smoked chicken. So, after placing your chicken breast in . I've tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. We recommend using a cherry or applewood for this recipe, though you can also smoke your chicken over hickory or mesquite wood if you want a stronger smoke flavor! After the first 45 minutes, check on the chicken, and give it a spray of cooking oil or butter to help the skin crisp up. Then season as desired, adding a thin layer of cooking spray or neutral oil to help the spices adhere. When smoking a chicken, it is important to know how long it will take for the meat to reach a desired temperature. Wrap them in an aluminum foil pouch. That said, if you want your chicken to take on an extra hit of smoke flavor, its fine to set the temperature to 225. Firstly, you should dry the chicken thoroughly, remove any giblets, and season the inside and outside of the bird with a dry rub. Additionally, it keeps the tips of the wings from burning before the rest of the bird finishes cooking. It will take a 5 lb chicken approximately 2-3 hours to smoke at 250F. 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. Also, you can make numerous different meals with chicken-like soups, sandwiches, bbq, etc. However, you can remove the bird from the smoker when it has a temperature of 160F. Cut to the other side of the backbone and all the way through. The process will take longer, but as long as the meat cooks to a safe internal temp (see below), you should still be pleased with your results. An 8-pound chicken should be done in about 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 hours. In simple terms, brining is a process by which you soak meat in salted water. Smoking meat is my absolute favorite way to prepare it. Even beginners can create the yummiest dishes. This will make enough for a couple of whole chickens. A meat thermometer is recommended to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken. Well, no, you dont HAVE to brine the chicken. The most important thing to remember is that a chicken breast needs less time to smoke than the rest of the chicken. The internal temperature should be around 165 degrees Fahrenheit to cook the chicken ideally. A 4-pound chicken takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to 4 hours to cook. Stuff the cavity with half a lemon, about half a yellow onion, and 3-4 garlic cloves. While those cuts should reach the same internal temperature throughout the cut, whole chickens consist of both white and dark meatwhich require different temps. Dont believe me? If you want something a bit heartier, oak should work well. If you smoke a whole chicken, it can take up to three hours. Similarly, if you cook a whole chicken to serve four persons, it would take 3 to 5 hours to smoke. Open the lid, place the chicken on the grate, and close the lid right away. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. However, the cooking time can vary depending on the chicken's size and the smoker's temperature consistency. Some popular options include, apple, hickory, cherry, mesquite, pecan, and maple woods all of which can be found at your local grocery store. The time also varies on the amount of chicken you are prepping. You can use a leave-in thermometer to check the temperature. A five pound bird should take two and a half to three hours to smoke. (Large size chicken could take up to 5 hours.). These cuts should cook to just 165 degrees, or the meat will turn dry and chalky in a hurry. The best thing about chicken is, anyone can quickly cook any chicken meal. So, what is the best temperature to smoke a chicken? Aim to cook the chicken at 225F/110C for the best results. Why should you be preparing your whole chickens in a smoker? Check the birds temperature after 1 1/2 hours to ensure it does not overcook. Coat the chicken thoroughly, also applying the rub inside the chicken cavity wall. When smoking chicken, the ideal internal temperature you are looking for is 165F. How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken at 225F? While were on the subject of size: Try to select smaller chicken leg quarters. But with four main regional styles, as well, Poultry shears will make short work of meat prep for your next butterflied chicken or turkey. Smoke the Chicken: Preheat the smoker to 275F. If you plan on smoking chicken breasts, use a probe thermometer to check the internal temperature. You can baste the chicken with your favorite or homemade BBQ sauce during the last 30-40 minutes of the cooking time. A chicken that reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is safe to eat. For example, if you dont have hickory wood chips, you could use mesquite or apple wood chips instead. Add smoke wood (apple or cherry with a little pecan is great!) Cut right down the middle, slightly to the side of the backbone. Furthermore, you can also bake, smoke, fry, and boil the chicken. Chickens between 2 and 4 pounds will take about 2 hours to smoke at 225F, while a chicken that is 4-6 pounds will take 3 hours. Hey, I'm Shawn and I run this site. Generally, it takes about 45-60 minutes to cook at 225F. Chicken Tenderloin vs Breast: Whats the Difference? The answer, as with most things in life, is it depends. 1910 Gary Ave Upper Apt. When Im not researching and learning all I can about the latest tips and techniques, you can find me at the grillthat is, if you can spot me at all through the clouds of sweet-smelling smoke. Chicken will take about 2 1/2 hours, depending on the size, and its done when it reaches 165. You can roast, grill, and fry them. The resulting smoked chicken will have a tender and juicy texture with a smoky flavor permeating throughout. On the other hand, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes if you want crispy, crunchy skin. We hope you enjoy this recipe! Meat brining is a way to keep it moist and tender before roasting it, and is particularly crucial for meats that are vulnerable to drying out, such as turkey and you guessed it chicken. In fact she is referred to as "The Chef" by most of her close family not only because she attended culinary school and was an actual chef, but also because she has a passion for cooking for friends and family. Under ordinary circumstances, we would suggest using a higher smoker temperature for chicken than for fatty cuts like beef brisket. Brined chicken will always give you a better result so its worth to take that extra step. The simplest way to discover when your smoked chicken is done is when you use a meat thermometer. Thus, in this article, we focus on smoking chicken time and share some helpful information about the process. Learn how to capture that smoky, delicious goodness with my guide on how to smoke a whole chicken. The first thing you should know about smoking a whole chicken is that YOU can do it. Sturdy, easy to use,, Turkey doesnt just have to be made for Thanksgiving, and can be cooked year-round. Chicken is cooked when it has a temperature of 165F. Before adding the chicken to the smoker, add wood chips to the smoker box. Therefore, it is also required to discover what you smoke like quarters, breasts, wings, drumsticks, or a whole chicken. Generously rub it with the seasoning mix. So, in this case, you need to place the bird breast side down to prevent it from overcooking. Just like chicken though is that. Temperature Per Pound. All content cited is derived from their respective sources. The average time details of smoking chicken in an electric smoker also depend on the chicken size and eight you are cooking. They may also be closer to the standard recommended serving size than larger specimens. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight). Average Time Consumption Details According to Weight Of Chicken Yes, you can add, remove, or replace some ingredients in this recipe. Additionally, Have you ever tried to make popcorn in a regular air fryer? In most cases this means about 4 hours for an average sized chicken. The end result? Be warned, it is a long process. Copyright 2023 BBQ Host. Take chicken out of the brine and onto a rimmed baking sheet. Weve got the best grilling answers from a network of seasoned grilling pros. What a deal! Thanks, Tags: cooking whole chicken in a smokerhow long to smoke a whole chickenhow to smoke a whole chickensmoking a whole chicken in a smokerwhole chicken in a smoker, [] How Long Does it Take to Smoke a Whole Chicken? You can quickly cook anything in less time in the electric smokers. Soak your wood chips in water for one hour. This can take anything from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the design and efficiency of your smoker. The easiest way to know when your chicken is done is to use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. And if you want something a little simpler, check out our smoked chicken breasts recipe. Chicken leg quarters consist of both the thigh and the drumstick. Use woods such as apple or maple. When smoking your chicken wings at 225 Fahrenheit, it will take about an hour (60 min) to reach an internal temperature of 165, the USDA recommended safe temperature for chicken meat. Chefman Air Fryer Review: It Is The Best Air Fryer! The type and weight of the meat you are going to prepare will decide the proper time. Close the lid right away and do not open it again until the chicken is done. Dont wait too long, thoughchicken shouldnt be left out for longer than 1 to 2 hours. However, check the chickens temperature after 2 1/2 hours to assess its progress. Place the chicken, breast side up, in the center of the preheated grill or smoker. As mentioned above, chicken is one of the meals that can be prepared in less time. You can either serve them whole, or divide them into thighs and drumsticks before adding them to the serving platter. Dry Rub the Whole Chicken. The sugars in the BBQ sauce will start to caramelize and give the chicken a glazed appearance. The cooking time for chicken can vary greatly depending on the size of the bird. To determine how long to smoke a chicken in a 225-degree smoker, start by deciding whether you want to serve the chicken on the bone or on a piece of boneless meat. It's challenging but recommended. Smoke the chicken for 1 1/2 hours to 8 hours, depending on its size. Welcome to the party! Test the temperature of the breast and thigh meat halfway through the cooking process.A temperature check allows you to adjust the cooking time if necessary. My love of great barbecue inspired me to curate this site as a resource for all my like-minded fellow pitmasters out there. Chicken rub stays on the skin but chicken brine does help flavor the meat internally. Make sure you have a thermometer handy when cooking a chicken at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoking is one of the best cooking methods for chicken. While theyre typically deep-fried, smoking the wings gives them more flavor while allowing them to retain their silken texture. Weve covered that in How Long To Smoke Whole Chickens at 225 Degrees, below. However, if you cook 'skin on chicken' at this temp, the skin becomes rubbery, and a bit gross, and the chicken tends to dry out as it's cooking for too long. The whole smoking process will take about 45 minutes per pound of chicken. There are a couple of things to know when smoking a chicken. It can give you an incorrect reading. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Refer to the manufacturer instructions for how to load and use wood chips in your grill or smoker. The probe thermometer shows time constantly during the smoking process and keeps users updated about the temperature details. Check that the water pan is full and that the wood chips are ready to go. Chicken has a delicate flavor, so stay away from woods with a concentrated flavor. Now, its time to place the chicken into the smoker. Then, you can use a digital thermometer to check the breasts and thighs on a regular basis. For the brine, simply combine salt, sugar, and lemon slices in 2 quarts of water until its dissolved. If youre like most people, you probably dont consider how long it takes to smoke a chicken. Youve got grilling questions. We recommend heading to your butchers to get the freshest whole chicken possible. This will enhance the flavor and minimize the rubber skin texture of the chicken. One way to determine if a chicken is cooked properly is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Your email address will not be published. Add BBQ towards the end of cooking if you desire. There are few meats out there that are as satisfying to cook as a whole chicken. I recommend trying something fruit-based, like apple, cherry or peach. Read More >> The Best Lump Charcoal For Smoking. It is important to ensure that chicken is thoroughly cooked to avoid foodborne illness. To counter this, I recommend brining the chicken before smoking it. How To Cook Omelette On An Induction Hob? Below are all the things we make with leftover smoked chicken. Smoked chicken goes perfectly with smoked mac n cheese, potato salad, and some coleslaw. At 225 degrees, a whole chicken should cook at a rate of 45 minutes per pound. Additionally, it keeps the tips of the wings from burning before the rest of the bird finishes cooking. A quarter is a large piece of chicken with meat from the thigh and drumstick. However, it is important to consider the chickens cooking time and internal temperature. It's also known as butterflying a chicken. If using a charcoal smoker, light it up at least 30 minutes in advance. A juicy, tender, and irresistibly smoky meat-main dish that the whole family will love. Let it rest 20-30 minutes before cutting into it. Your email address will not be published. (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. Most chefs calculate chicken cooking time as 45 minutes per pound when cooking at the temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit. But before you make a last-minute run to the supermarket for a pre-bagged rotisserie chicken, consider smoking your own instead. Heres our ultimate guide on how long to smoke chicken at 225 degrees. Smoker temperature for the whole chicken: the magic 225. According to your own taste preferences you can easily season with just salt and pepper, but I strongly recommend investing in a dry rub. It will take some forethought, as it can take up to five hours to smoke a whole chicken, but it's an extremely hands-off approach to cooking. Low and slow, with plenty of smoked flavor this is a meal people will be smacking their fingers and lips for! How Long To Smoke an 8 Lb Chicken. Check your chicken about once every hour but ensure not to check your chicken more than this. Mix herbs together and place half under the skin and the other half inside the chicken cavity. Instructions: Preheat an outdoor grill on low heat or preheat a smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Your email address will not be published. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken before eating. Its my quiet time to tend to the smoker as I call it but in reality, its just my quiet time. Smoked Whole Chicken The weekend is the perfect time to cook something that you normally wouldn't be able to do on a busy working day. Cranberry Orange Bisconie Costco Recipe: Ready in 45 Minutes. Your email address will not be published. If youd like, brush the drumsticks with barbecue sauce when theyre nearly finished cooking. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. One can only know how long to smoke chicken when he gets the idea of how much chicken he will cook. Theres another reason why you shouldnt leave the meat in the marinade or brine for longer than 12 hours: it might not keep for much longer. Cooking the chicken too quickly at higher temperatures can cause the meat to dry out and become tough.
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