Juicy, spicy, tender smoked pulled chicken makes a fabulous main dish for the family cookout. Ramp up tacos, burritos, and salads with this easy recipe.
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The easy set it, and forget it method makes summer cookouts so much less stressful. And pulled chicken is even juicier when slow-cooked in the smoker instead of the grill or oven.
And besides being simple, smoking 2 or 3 chickens at a time is an ideal way to feed a crowd. This incredibly versatile recipe enjoys dozens of ways to serve it up. Speaking of which…
The Time Smoking Chicken Takes
It’s true that smoking is not the fastest way to cook meat. However, the low and slow method delivers juicier final results, and it doesn’t take much hands-on time. How long it takes depends on your smoker’s temperature and the size of the chicken (3-6 pounds).
- For the juiciest, smokiest results, 225-250℉ (105-120℃) works great and takes 55-60 minutes per pound.
- For less smoky at 275-300℉ (135-150℃), plan on 20-30 minutes per pound.
- For the crispiest skin, crank up the heat to 325-375℉ for 15–20 minutes per pound.
How to Smoke a Whole Chicken
Mix the seasonings, season the chicken thoroughly, and smoke it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75℃). Measure the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh, near the breast, but without touching the bone.
Recipe Variations and Tips
- Add homemade BBQ sauce to smoking chicken for a saucier texture. Mix in a bowl until evenly coated.
- Replace the seasoning with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and parsley, and marinate the chicken for an hour before smoking. Drain and pat dry, and smoke away.
- An instant-read meat thermometer, preferably digital with a probe, is a more reliable way to check for doneness.
- Soak the wood chips before smoking for a slower, more even burn and to prevent them from catching fire.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Smoke two chickens for a great make-ahead meal prep. Shred the meat and refrigerate it in meal-size portions in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze it for 4-5 months. Heat it back up in a microwave or on a stovetop in a saucepan with a splash of broth.
Smoked pulled chicken goes great with classic Southern pit BBQ sides, like coleslaw, potato salad, and corn on the cob. Take advantage of the smoker space and add in some baked beans.
More Sensational Ways to Use Pulled Chicken
Replace the beef, chicken, or pork in the following recipes for a tasty way to use your leftover pulled chicken.
By Imma