Perfect Smoked Chicken

Enjoy this delicious recipe for smoked chicken that cooks to perfection while you watch your team play on game day. The result is juicy and tender thanks to the slow smoking process and the flavorful burst from the dry rub.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken 3-4 pounds
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Wood chips for smoking hickory or applewood
• Water for soaking wood chips

Instructions:

Remove giblets from the chicken and pat dry with paper towels

In a bowl, mix kosher salt, brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create a dry rub

Rub the dry rub mixture all over the chicken, including inside the cavity

Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight

Soak wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before smoking

Prepare your smoker for indirect cooking at 225F 110C

Add soaked wood chips to the smoker box or directly onto the coals for that smoky flavor

Place the marinated chicken on the smoker grates, breast side up

Smoke the chicken for approximately 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165F 74C

Monitor the smoker temperature regularly, and add more soaked wood chips as needed to maintain a steady smoke

Once done, remove the smoked chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving

Serve and enjoy the perfectly smoked chicken for your game day feast