Prepare a delicious smoked BBQ chicken with this easy recipe that uses your favorite BBQ rub and sauce, along with optional brining for juicier meat. Perfect for weekend grilling or a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters (thighs and drumsticks) or whole chicken cut into pieces
- 2 cups wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry)
- Your favorite BBQ rub (store-bought or homemade)
- Your favorite BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Brine (optional, but recommended):
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 gallon cold water
Instructions
Brine the Chicken (Optional):
- Dissolve the kosher salt and brown sugar in the cold water in a large container.
- Submerge the chicken pieces in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours to enhance juiciness and flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the brine, pat it dry with paper towels, and discard the brine.
Apply the BBQ Rub:
- Generously coat the chicken pieces with your favorite BBQ rub, getting under the skin to ensure the flavor penetrates.
- Cover and refrigerate the seasoned chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you want deeper flavor.
Prepare the Smoker:
- Soak your choice of wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning too quickly.
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C), ensuring it’s ready to maintain a steady low heat for smoking.
- Drain the wood chips and place them in your smoker’s wood chip compartment.
Smoke the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in the smoker, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking and smoke distribution.
- Close the smoker and let the chicken cook slowly. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces but typically takes about 1 to 2 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
- During the last 30 minutes of smoking, you can brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce to add a layer of sweet and tangy flavor and create a delicious glaze.
Serve:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and has a beautiful smoky exterior, remove it from the smoker.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve your smoked BBQ chicken with additional BBQ sauce on the side, and enjoy with your favorite sides, like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables.
This smoked BBQ chicken recipe promises a meal full of flavor with perfectly cooked, smoky, and saucy chicken that will be a hit at any barbecue or family dinner.