Best Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

You know what they say, “winner winner, chicken dinner!” And this Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe is no exception. This recipe is the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and succulent flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Firstly, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, with minimal meat prep required. All you need is a handful of raw ingredients, and you’re ready to go. The smoking process is straightforward and makes cooking a great-tasting meal an absolute breeze.

Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can adjust it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a fan of sweet, spicy, or tangy flavors, this recipe has got you covered. You can experiment with different barbeque sauces, citrus juices, and seasoning blends to create a flavor profile that’s uniquely yours.

Thirdly, this recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a simple weeknight dinner to a backyard barbeque with friends and family. The recipe can be easily adjusted to cater to large portions of chicken, making it an ideal option for serving a crowd.

Lastly, this recipe produces deliciously moist and tender chicken, thanks to the smoker’s low and slow cooking process. The meat portions are perfectly cooked, with the lean breast meat remaining juicy, and the darker meat portion providing a flavorful and succulent meat.

In conclusion, this recipe is a winner in every aspect, from its easy-to-follow process to its delicious flavor profile. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a fantastic meal idea that’s guaranteed to impress. So, fire up your Masterbuilt Electric Smoker and get ready to indulge in the best-smoked chicken recipe ever!

Ingredient List

Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken - A simple and delicious recipe
Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken – A simple and delicious recipe

Before we dive into the recipe’s how-to, let’s take a closer look at the ingredient list. This Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe is all about simplicity, and the ingredient list reflects that. You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this recipe a success. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

1. Chicken – The star of the show, of course! You can use any cuts of chicken you prefer, from boneless chicken breasts to chicken wings and legs. Make sure to remove any giblets from the chicken before cooking.

2. Seasoning Blend – A simple blend of garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, sea salt, and black pepper adds a ton of flavor to the chicken. You can adjust the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences.

3. Brown Sugar – A little bit of brown sugar goes a long way in this recipe. The sugar bath adds a subtle sweetness and helps to balance out the saltiness of the seasoning blend.

4. Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest – Lemon juice and zest provide a bright and fresh flavor profile to the chicken. You can use fresh lemon juice or bottled lemon juice, depending on what you have on hand.

5. Wood Chips – Mesquite wood chips are recommended for this recipe, but you can also use hickory chips or pecan wood chips. The wood chips are essential for adding that smoky flavor to the chicken.

6. Water Bowl – You’ll need a bowl of water to help regulate the smoker’s temperature and keep the chicken moist during the smoking process.

7. Butter – Adding a bit of butter to the chicken helps to keep it moist and flavorful. You can also use olive oil or your preferred cooking fat.

8. Barbeque Sauce – Optional, but highly recommended! A good barbeque sauce adds a ton of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.

In conclusion, this recipe’s ingredient list is straightforward and easy to find at your local supermarket. With a handful of raw ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious and succulent meal that will impress your family and friends. So, let’s get cooking!

The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve got our ingredient list sorted, it’s time to dive into the recipe’s how-to. This Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe is incredibly easy to follow, with minimal meat prep required. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to make this delicious recipe:

1. Prepping the Chicken – First, remove any giblets from the chicken and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season it liberally with the seasoning blend, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the chicken.

2. Sugar Bath – Next, sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. The sugar bath adds a subtle sweetness and helps to balance out the saltiness of the seasoning blend.

3. Lemon Zest and Juice – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle lemon zest over it. The lemon juice and zest provide a bright and fresh flavor profile to the chicken.

4. Butter – Place small pieces of butter over the chicken or rub it with your preferred cooking fat, which helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

5. Mesquite Wood Chips – Soak a handful of mesquite wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then place them in the smoker’s wood chip container. Preheat your smoker to medium heat (225-250°F).

6. Water Bowl – Fill a water bowl with an inch of water and place it inside the smoker. The water helps regulate the smoker’s temperature and keeps the chicken moist during the smoking process.

7. Smoking the Chicken – Place the chicken on the smoker rack or upper grill rack and smoke it for 1-1½ hours per pound of chicken. The smoking process may take up to 4-6 hours, depending on the chicken’s size and the smoker’s temperature.

8. Internal Temperature – To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, use a digital meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The chicken’s internal temperature should be at least 165°F. Tent the chicken with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

In conclusion, the Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe’s how-to is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. With minimal meat prep required and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and succulent meal that will impress your family and friends. So, fire up your smoker and get ready to indulge in the best-smoked chicken recipe ever!

Variations

One of the best things about this Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe is its versatility. There are countless variations that you can try to create different flavor profiles and meal ideas. Here are some of my favorite variations that you can experiment with:

1. Chicken with Honey – Drizzle some honey over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to give it a sweet and sticky glaze.

2. Lemon Pepper Chicken – Mix lemon zest, lemon juice, and lemon pepper seasoning to create a bright and zesty flavor.

3. BBQ Chicken – Brush your favorite barbeque sauce over the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking to create a smoky and tangy flavor.

4. Garlic Herb Chicken – Mix garlic powder, onion powder, and your favorite herbs to create a savory and aromatic seasoning blend.

5. Smoking Boneless Chicken Breasts – If you prefer boneless chicken, you can still use this recipe by smoking boneless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken.

6. Chicken Wings – Smoke chicken wings for a couple of hours to create a crispy and delicious appetizer that’s perfect for game day or a party.

7. Spatchcock Chicken – Flatten the chicken by removing the backbone and pressing it flat before smoking to ensure even cooking.

8. Smoked Salmon Fillets – If you’re in the mood for seafood, you can use the smoker to create delicious smoked salmon fillets.

These variations are just the tip of the iceberg, and you can experiment with different seasoning blends, sauces, and cuts of chicken to create your perfect meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new. With this Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe, the possibilities are endless.

Serving and Pairing

After you’ve smoked your delicious chicken, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy it. There are many ways to serve and pair this Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe, depending on your taste preferences and the occasion. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Serve with sides – You can’t go wrong with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. These sides will balance out the smoky and savory flavors of the chicken.

2. Pair with beer – A cold beer is the perfect beverage to complement the smoky and rich flavors of the chicken. Try pairing it with a light and refreshing beer like a pilsner or a hoppy IPA.

3. Pair with wine – If you prefer wine, try pairing the chicken with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay. These wines will cut through the richness of the chicken and provide a refreshing balance.

4. Add to a sandwich – Shred the smoked chicken and add it to a sandwich or wrap for a quick and easy lunch option.

5. Serve with dipping sauce – Make a dipping sauce with your favorite barbeque sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for an extra burst of flavor.

6. Make a barbecue platter – Smoke chicken portions like legs, thighs, and wings and serve them on a platter with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for a fun and interactive meal.

There are many ways to serve and pair this Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe, and the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbeque or enjoying a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers or want to make the chicken ahead of time, here are some tips for storing and reheating to ensure the best flavor and texture:

1. Storing – Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to separate the chicken from any sides or sauces to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.

2. Reheating – Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To prevent the chicken from drying out, add a splash of water or broth before reheating. You can also reheat the chicken in a skillet with a little butter or oil for added flavor.

3. Freezing – You can also freeze the leftover chicken for up to three months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. Make-ahead – If you want to make the chicken ahead of time, you can smoke it and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before reheating. This is a great option if you’re hosting a party or have a busy week ahead.

5. Giblets and Fat – Be sure to remove any giblets and excess fat from the chicken before smoking it. These can cause the chicken to become dry and tough.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your leftover chicken remains flavorful and moist, even after reheating. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or for making ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights and entertaining.

Tips for Perfect Results

Smoked Whole Chicken Recipe - Masterbuilt
Smoked Whole Chicken Recipe – Masterbuilt

Smoking meat can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to it. But with these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe turns out perfectly every time:

  • Dry rubs are a great way to add flavor to your smoked chicken. Be sure to apply the rub generously and evenly to the entire chicken for the best results.
  • Charcoal smokers are a great way to achieve a smoky flavor, but make sure to use a water pan to keep the temperature stable and prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • Brining your chicken in cold water with salt and your favorite fruit juices overnight before smoking is a great way to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist.
  • When using a smoker, always preheat it to the desired temperature before adding the chicken. This will ensure the chicken is cooked evenly and has crispy skin.
  • Use wood chunks or pellets for the best smoky flavor. Cherry wood is a great choice for smoked chicken.
  • For a whole chicken recipe, smoke it at a lower temperature for a longer period of time to ensure the chicken is cooked through and has crispy skin.
  • When smoking chicken quarters or legs, cook them at a higher temperature for a shorter period of time to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat.
  • Use a good meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat, making sure it reaches a safe temperature before serving.
  • Basting the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking will add a sweet and tangy flavor.
  • Let the smoked chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • Dry brining the chicken by rubbing it with a salt and sugar mixture and letting it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before smoking is another great way to infuse it with flavor and ensure crispy skin.
  • When smoking chicken breasts, make sure to cook them to the internal temperature of the thickest part (165 degrees F) while still keeping them moist.
  • If using a Traeger pellet grill, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the best wood for your personal preference and recipe.
  • Always let your chicken come to room temperature before smoking for the best results.
  • A couple of my favorite things to serve with smoked chicken are potato salad and a side of barbecue sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe turns out perfectly every time. Smoking meat is a fun and delicious way to cook, and with a little practice, you’ll become a smoking pro in no time.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Masterbuilt Smoker Chicken Recipe is the perfect way to elevate your cooking game and impress your friends and family with your smoky and delicious creations. This recipe is versatile, easy-to-follow, and produces great-tasting chicken that’s moist, tender, and bursting with flavor.

With the help of these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your chicken turns out perfectly every time, whether you’re smoking boneless chicken breasts, chicken wings, or a five-pound chicken. You can also experiment with different variations to create a flavor profile that suits your taste preferences and meal ideas.

So, fire up your Masterbuilt Electric Smoker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the best-smoked chicken recipe ever. With this recipe at your fingertips, you’re sure to become the ultimate smoking pro in no time.

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Shara

Shara @The Bird BBQ

Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.