Intensely flavorful, with just the right amount of smokiness, not to mention incredibly tender and juicy, a pellet-grilled whole chicken is one recipe you won’t want to do without. So light your smoker and prepare to enjoy the best chicken you’ve ever had!
Â
It’s no secret that I love my Traeger pellet grill because it’s super easy. Marinate the meat, season the veggies, start the smoker, stick the food in, set it, and forget it.
And a whole chicken is the epitome of ease; no cutting necessary, just season it and stick it in the smoker. The results are tender, moist, and flavorful. And better yet, it’s an affordable picnic food. Even a small pellet grill will smoke two chickens, and a large one can fit as many as eight for a crowd or serious advanced meal prep.
Why Smoke Chicken
First, the juiciest chicken I’ve ever enjoyed has been smoked. The low and slow method guarantees that the breast is as moist as the thighs. Plus, chicken is really good at absorbing the smokiness for intense flavor. And smoking a whole chicken is ideal for easy meal prep.
How to Pellet Grill a Whole Chicken
Mix up the dry rub, season the whole chicken, then smoke it. How long it takes will depend on its size. Plan on 35-45 minutes per pound, but an instant-read thermometer will be your best friend in this case.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Preheat the pellet grill before smoking to ensure consistent heat throughout and even cooking.
- Be generous with your dry rub because smoking will mellow the flavors. So don’t be afraid to go bold.
- Spatchcocking is an extra step, but it’s worth it for faster cooking and better smoke penetration.
- Open a can of beer and drink about half of it (or save it for later). Smother the chicken with the dry rub, insert the beer can into the cavity so it stands upright, and smoke per recipe instructions.
- Slather the chicken with homemade BBQ sauce before adding the rub or after smoking for an extra touch.
Make-Ahead and Leftover Makeovers
Feel free to smoke two or three whole chickens ahead of time for easy weekly meal prep. They will last 3-5 days in the fridge or 4-5 months in the freezer.
Get creative to use this versatile entree in salad bowls, pasta, tacos, quesadillas, soups, casseroles, sandwiches, and the list keeps going.
Oh, and don’t waste those bones because they make a flavorful chicken stock.
What Loves Being With Smoked Chicken
Take advantage of the extra space in the smoker by adding potato wedges halfway through and asparagus spears about 45 minutes before the chicken should be done. Add a Caesar salad, homemade bread rolls, and pecan pie for dessert for a complete meal.
More Perfected Pellet Grill Recipes to Try
By Imma