SMOKED WHOLE CHICKEN WITH HONEY BBQ SAUCE

Smoked Whole Chicken with Honey BBQ Sauce image

Provided by Food Network

Time 3h45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Previous Next

Ingredients

1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
2 teaspoons smoked paprika (hot or mild, whichever you prefer)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 tablespoons softened butter
One 2- to 3-pound whole chicken
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

For the BBQ seasoning: Combine the brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard and cayenne in a small bowl.
Preheat your smoker or grill to 275 degrees F.
If using a charcoal or gas grill, prepare for two-zone cooking with heat or coals on one side of the grill and none on the other. If using a gas grill, prepare your smoking pouches by tearing off 2 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil and layering them flat on your work surface. Place two cups of dry wood chips on the center of your foil. Fold up each long side and crimp to secure. Then roll up the ends to make a sealed wood chip pouch. Poke holes in the top of your pouch to allow the heat from the fire to singe the wood chips inside the pouch and make some gorgeous smoke that will be released through the holes and add a delicious smoke flavor to your food. Repeat this process so you have a total of 3 pouches.
Combine the softened butter and the BBQ seasoning in a small bowl. Use your fingers to loosen the skin of the chicken and spread the seasoned butter up under the skin. Spread any remaining butter on top of the chicken skin.
Use butcher twine to tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips behind the shoulder joint. Place your chicken directly on the grill grates over indirect heat on your smoker or grill. Add the wood of your choice; I recommend apple, cherry, maple, or pecan. If using a grill, place the smoking pouch on the direct heat. Close the lid and smoke for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, replacing the smoking pouch as necessary. Breasts should be about 160 to 165 degrees F. The thighs should be about 170 to 175 degrees F. If needed, rotate the chicken once during smoking.
While your chicken is smoking, prepare your BBQ sauce. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, honey, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and allow to cool.
Baste the chicken with the honey BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking (this is optional). Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the grill, rest for 10 minutes, slice, and serve.

*** Explore more Smoked Whole Chicken With Honey BBQ Sauce Recipes »

Comment
Leave a comment

Catlyn Mayou

[email protected]

This chicken is so easy to make, but it tastes like it took hours to prepare. It's perfect for a weeknight meal.

MM MM

[email protected]

I'm not usually a fan of honey BBQ sauce, but I loved it on this chicken. It was the perfect complement to the smoky flavor.

Moazam Jutt

[email protected]

This chicken is so moist and tender. It's the best smoked chicken I've ever had.

Hidayat Hidayat

[email protected]

I love the crispy skin on this chicken. It's so good.

Connie Auxier

[email protected]

I've made this chicken several times and it's always a hit. It's my go-to recipe for smoked chicken.

mary trigg

[email protected]

This chicken is perfect for a party or a potluck. It's easy to make and everyone loves it.

PRINCE APON

[email protected]

I'm always looking for new ways to cook chicken and this recipe is a keeper. It's so flavorful and delicious.

Seid Gadula

[email protected]

This chicken is so good, I could eat it every day.

Kennedy Adutwum

[email protected]

I love the smoky flavor of this chicken. It's perfect for a summer cookout.

Bela Diallo

[email protected]

I'm a beginner at smoking chicken and this recipe was perfect for me. It was easy to follow and the chicken turned out great.

Arman Nirob

[email protected]

I made this chicken for my family and they all loved it. My kids even asked for seconds!

Sam Peshki

[email protected]

I followed the recipe exactly and the chicken turned out perfectly. It was so easy to make and the results were amazing.

Aster Gill

[email protected]

I'm not usually a fan of smoked chicken, but this recipe changed my mind. The chicken was so juicy and tender, and the honey BBQ sauce was incredible.