Smoked Chicken Recipe (For Electric Smoker): A Finger-Lickin' Good Time

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious, smoky treat to fill your backyard barbeque? Look no further! Smoked chicken with an electric smoker is the perfect way to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests. With its juicy flavor and unforgettable aroma, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

If you’re new to smoking meats, don’t worry! This smoked chicken recipe is easy enough for any novice chef to master. All you need are a few simple ingredients and an electric smoker. You’ll also get the added bonus of feeling like a real pitmaster when you’re done.

So if you’re ready to explore the wonderful world of smoked chicken, break out that electric smoker and let’s get started! This mouth-watering recipe is sure to be the star of your next gathering–so prepare yourself for some serious compliments!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Chicken Recipe

Smoked Chicken Recipe: Mouthwatering and Flavorful

Smoking chicken in an electric smoker is like music to a chef’s ears. With just the right ingredients, your recipe for smoked chicken will be a hit at any BBQ. Whether you’re using chicken wings or drumsticks, this recipe will show you the best way to get that smoky flavor.

The first step is to choose your wood chips – hickory and cherry are popular options. Once you have your wood chips ready, it’s time to mix together the dry rub. Combine olive oil with herbs and spices of your choice for a flavorful blend. Rub this mixture all over the chicken pieces before throwing them into the electric smoker.

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to let the electric smoker do its job! Make sure to keep an eye on it while it cooks since times may vary due to size and type of chicken pieces. When finished, brush each piece with BBQ sauce and serve immediately – your guests won’t be able to resist!

Smoking chicken in an electric smoker is the perfect way to bring out those smoky flavors without breaking a sweat over a grill. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll create delicious smoked chicken that will make everyone come back for seconds!

Ingredient List

It’s time to get cooking! This smoked chicken recipe requires a few basic ingredients and some preparation before you start the smoking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pellet smoker, charcoal smoker, or electric smoker

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks

• Olive oil

• Kosher salt

• Herbs and spices of your choice

• BBQ sauce

• Brown sugar (optional)

This smoked chicken recipe is perfect for any occasion! With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create delicious smoked chicken that will make everyone come back for more. So grab your pellet smoker, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some smoky goodness!

The Recipe How-To

Now, let’s get smoking! The first step is to make sure your smoker is set up properly and ready to go. Once your pellet grill, electric smoker, or Big Green Egg is prepared for cooking, it’s time to get the chicken ready. Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Then, mix together any herbs, spices, garlic powder and salt in a bowl with some cold water. Rub this mixture all over the chicken pieces and arrange them on the smoker racks. Make sure you use a digital thermometer to check that the temperature of your smoker stays at a low 225 degrees F throughout the entire cooking process.

Finally, cover the chicken with aluminum foil and add some cherry wood chunks or pellets for extra smoky flavor. Let them cook for two hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before serving. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious smoked chicken that will have everyone coming back for more! Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for something special to serve your family and friends, this smoked chicken recipe is sure to hit the spot!

Substitutions And Variations

Ready for a smoky twist on your classic chicken recipe? Smoked chicken has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its unique flavor and texture. Whether you’re using an electric smoker, pellet grill, or Big Green Egg, it’s easy to create a delicious smoked chicken meal with just a few simple steps. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your smoked chicken experience:

The great thing about this recipe is that it can be adapted to fit any type of smoker. If you’re looking for a whole chicken recipe instead of individual pieces, lower the temperature to 225 degrees F and cook for four hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. You can also adjust the seasonings to suit your taste!

Smoked chicken is an incredibly versatile dish – whether you’re serving up a backyard barbecue or hosting a dinner party, this flavorful take on poultry will have everyone licking their fingers! With juicy meat and crisp skin, this may quickly become your favorite way to prepare chicken!

Serving And Pairing Suggestions

Smoked Chicken Recipe on an Electric Smoker

Now that the smoked chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve up a delicious meal! No matter what type of smoker you use, the best smoky flavor can be achieved by taking extra time and care when cooking. To make sure your chicken is perfectly cooked, always check the internal temperature of the breast with a good meat thermometer (it should be at least 165 degrees F). Serve your smoked chicken with some potato salad or barbecue sauce for a truly memorable meal.

If you’re using a charcoal grill or preheated smoker, there are some additional steps you can take to get the best results. Make sure to add fresh wood chips or chunks every 45 minutes to keep the smoke going and control the temperature. Keep an eye on your chicken and adjust the heat as needed – this will help ensure that your smoked chicken turns out juicy and flavorful.

Smoked chicken is an easy dish to prepare that packs a lot of flavor. With just a few simple steps and some patience, you can create an unforgettable meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re grilling up whole chickens for a backyard barbecue or smoking individual pieces for dinner, following these tips will guarantee good results every time!

Storing, Freezing And Reheating Options

Smoked Chicken: A Low and Slow Cooking Technique for Flavorful Meat

Once you’ve cooked up your smoked chicken masterpiece, it’s time to figure out how to store and reheat your leftovers. It’s important to remember that when storing and reheating smoked chicken, the key is to keep the moisture in and prevent drying out. Depending on what type of smoker you used, there are a few different options you can use to store your smoked chicken.

If you used an electric smoker, then you should allow the chicken to cool down and then place it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap. Make sure to add some water pan into the container if possible – this will help keep things nice and moist. When ready to reheat the chicken, make sure the internal temperature of your chicken reaches at least 165 degrees F before consuming.

If you used a charcoal grill or preheated smoker, then there are some additional steps that need to be taken when storing and reheating leftovers. For dark meat, like thighs or drumsticks, we recommend keeping them in a tightly sealed container with a bit of apple cider vinegar for extra moisture. This will help ensure that your smoked chicken stays juicy and flavorful even after being stored overnight! For white meat like breasts or wings, we recommend wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before storing in an airtight container.

When it comes to reheating smoked chicken recipes, it really comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer slower methods like baking, while others prefer boiling or microwaving for quicker results. Whichever method you choose, just make sure you check the internal temperature of your chicken before serving – this will help ensure that it is cooked all the way through! With these tips in mind, you can easily store and reheat any delicious smoker recipes without worrying about drying out your main dish!

Tips For Smoked Chicken Recipe Success

Cooking the perfect smoked chicken recipe takes a bit of practice, but with these tips you’ll be a pro in no time!

Use indirect heat: Smoking chicken using indirect heat is a great way to cook it thoroughly while keeping it moist and tender.
Invest in a good smoker: Whether you use an electric smoker, gas smoker, or charcoal smoker, make sure to use a high-quality one to get the best results. You can find some great options with our affiliate links.
Experiment with different temperatures: Smoking chicken at higher temperatures can help you achieve a crispy skin, while smoking it at lower temperatures can make it more tender and juicy.
Don’t forget the breast meat: When smoking an entire chicken, make sure to monitor the internal temperature of the breast meat to avoid overcooking or undercooking it.
Use a water bowl: Placing a water bowl in the smoker can help regulate the temperature and keep the chicken moist.
Add seasoning at the last minute: Apply a spice rub to the chicken at the last minute before placing it in the smoker to prevent the seasoning from becoming too overpowering.
Smoke chicken breasts separately: If you’re looking to smoke chicken breasts only, consider smoking them separately from the rest of the chicken to avoid overcooking.
Pro tip: Smoke the chicken with the skin side up to allow the smoke to penetrate the meat better.
Use the side of the backbone: When smoking an entire chicken, make sure to place it on the smoker with the side of the backbone facing the heat source for the best results.
Use the right wood: Different types of wood can provide different levels of smoky flavor. Some of the best woods for smoking chicken include apple, cherry, and hickory.
Use hot coals: When using a charcoal smoker, make sure the coals are hot before placing the chicken on the smoker.
Smoke the chicken the entire time: To ensure the most flavorful and juicy chicken, smoke the chicken for the entire time indicated in the recipe.
Consider smoking a whole chicken: Smoking a whole chicken can provide much flavor and can be used for delicious recipes the next day, like chicken salad, chicken soup, and more.
Consider smoking a rotisserie chicken: Using a rotisserie attachment on your smoker can help you achieve a flavorful and juicy chicken.
Monitor the smoke time: The ideal smoke time for chicken can vary depending on the type of smoker you are using and the temperature you are smoking it at. Monitor the internal temperature of the meat and adjust the smoke time accordingly.
Experiment with different rub recipes: Using a delicious rub recipe can help you achieve a flavorful chicken. Try different BBQ rubs to find your favorite one.
Make sure the smoker has as much air as possible: Ensure that your smoker has proper airflow by opening the vents fully to allow for maximum air circulation.

With these helpful tips in mind, you can easily prepare a delicious smoked chicken recipe that everyone will love!

FAQ

Now that you have the recipe and tips to make the perfect smoked chicken, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to help you troubleshoot any issues you may encounter during the smoking process.

How long does it take to smoke a chicken in an electric smoker?

Cooking a Chicken in an Electric Smoker requires setting the smoker to 250°F and inserting a probe into the thickest part of the chicken. The smoker will stop cooking and turn to warm mode when the thermometer reads 165°F. The exact cook time varies, however it usually takes of 30-45 minutes per pound. It is important to use an digital thermometer to make sure that you don’t overcook or undercook the bird. Furthermore, make sure that your electric smoker is properly set up before starting your cooking process. Following these simple tips will ensure perfect cook every time!

How do you keep chicken moist in electric smoker?

To keep chicken moist in an electric smoker, start by brining your chicken. Soaking it in a mixture of water and seasonings or vinegar will help to lock in moisture during the cooking process, as well as infuse extra flavor into the meat. Let the chicken brine for 3-4 hours in a refrigerated environment prior to smoking.

Once you are ready to smoke, use indirect heat within the electric smoker and adjust the temperature accordingly. Using hickory wood chips can add extra flavor and help create an even more succulent texture for the chicken. Monitor the internal temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer, typically looking for 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing from the smoker.

Finally, remove from heat and immediately wrap in foil and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This helps to regulate any sudden changes in temperature that could cause quick evaporation of moisture from the chicken. During this period, any remaining juice will be reabsorbed back into the meat for maximum juiciness when you finally serve!

Is it better to smoke a chicken at 225 or 250?

Smoking a chicken is all about getting the internal temperature up to 165°F, while maintaining moist, juicy meat with a crisp skin. Cooking your chicken at 225°F is ideal for slow-smoked flavor and that perfect crispy skin.

For smoked chicken legs, thighs, or breasts, this temperature will provide you with the brisket style of fall-apart tenderness – but it’ll take some time to get there. A 3 lb chicken will take around 5 hours to smoke at this temperature. Make sure you have plenty of space in your smoker, as having your food too close can cause flare-ups and burn marks on the skin!

If you are short on time, cooking your chicken at 250°F will reduce the smoking time by a good hour or two. That said, for whole chickens or big pieces like turkey breasts, leg quarters and wings, 225°F will give you that succulent smokehouse barbecue experience.

However you choose to do it – make sure to use an accurate thermometer when checking the internal temperatures of meat as this ensures safe and delicious results every time!

How do you smoke chicken in a Masterbuilt electric smoker?

Smoking chicken in a Masterbuilt electric smoker is easy and delicious. Begin by preheating the smoker to 225°F. Then, place the chicken directly on the rack and let simmer for 4-6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last hour of cook time, baste the chicken with BBQ sauce to add extra flavor. Once cooked through, serve with remaining sauce. This cooking method can be used with any cut of chicken; just make sure to adjust cooking time based on size or thickness of cut.

Conclusion

After trying this mouthwatering smoked chicken recipe, I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s an unforgettable experience. The smoky flavor and succulent texture make it the ideal meal for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients and a few hours of cooking time, you can create a dish that will delight your guests. From the fragrant aroma of the spices to the moist meat of the chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

The act of smoking food has deep roots in history and carries with it a sense of tradition and heritage. It’s like an old-fashioned hug for your taste buds – comforting, flavorful, and always satisfying! Plus, this smoked chicken recipe allows you to get creative with your ingredients and customize it to fit your own tastes. Whether you’re looking for something mild or spicy, you can make it just the way you like it!

So if you’re looking for something special to serve up at your next dinner party or family gathering, give this smoked chicken recipe a try! With its delicious flavors and easy prep time, it’s sure to be an instant hit!

Smoked Chicken Recipe (For Electric Smoker): A Finger-Lickin’ Good Time