Are you looking for a new and delicious way to cook a whole chicken? Look no further than the Pit Boss whole chicken recipe! This delectable dish is cooked using a Pit Boss smoker, giving it an extra smokey flavor that can’t be found elsewhere. Not only does the smoker give this chicken an incredible smoky flavor, it also ensures that the meat stays juicy and tender.
How to Smoke a Whole Chicken on a Pit Boss Grill
- To get started, you’ll need to prepare the chicken by rinsing it off and patting it dry.
- Next, you’ll need to season the chicken. Rub the inside and outside of the chicken with your choice of seasoning, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cajun seasoning.
- Preheat the grill to 400°F and then adjust the temperature to 325°F.
- Place the chicken on the grill and close the lid. Smoke your chicken for approximately 2 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove your chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Size of whole chicken
The size of the chicken you choose is important, as it will determine the cooking time and the number of servings you can get from it. Generally, the best size chicken for smoking is one that weighs between 3 and 5 pounds. If you’re looking for more servings, you can opt for two smaller chickens instead.
Preparing the chicken
Start by rinsing off the chicken with cold water in your sink and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove the giblets from the body cavity and discard them. Also remove any excess fat. Again, rinse the chicken with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Crispy skin
Most of the time if you follow the traditional smoking method of low temperature cooking, the skin will always come out rubbery. Yes, the meat will be moist and tender but the skin will not be crispy.
The only way you will get a crispy skin result is to avoid brushing any liquid on the skin and cooking at a higher temperature. For this recipe we will be smoking the whole chicken at 325°F for about 2 hours or less depending on how big the chicken.
Rub for chicken
You can use a variety of rubs, depending on the type of flavor you’re looking for. One of the most popular rubs for smoking a whole chicken is a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and maybe some other spices like cumin or oregano. This mix provides a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the smokiness from the grill.
If you want to add some heat to your chicken, you can also include chili powder or cayenne pepper in your rub. Another option is a sweet rub that includes brown sugar and other sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This rub will give your chicken a sweet and tangy flavor that’s sure to please.
Wood pellets recommendation
For smoking a whole chicken, the best wood pellets to use are hickory, mesquite, applewood, and cherrywood. Hickory has a strong smokey flavor that can be somewhat overpowering, so it should be used in moderation.
Mesquite is another strong smokey flavor that should also be used in moderation but pairs well with hickory. Applewood has a subtle sweet flavor that pairs nicely with chicken and is perfect for adding a hint of sweetness.
Finally, cherrywood is also quite sweet, with a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of applewood perfectly. Using the right combination of wood pellets can help to create an amazing smoky flavor while still allowing the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through.
Temperature setting
Generally smoking a whole chicken will be cooked at 250°F for roughly 3-4 hours. This will result in a moist and tender meat. However, for this recipe we will be smoking at 325°F to achieve a crispy skin result for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
How long will it take to smoke a whole chicken
For the traditional smoking method of low and slow it will take around 3-4 hours depending on the size of the chicken. However, we will be cooking our whole chicken at 325°F which is much higher than normal smoking. This will reduce our cooking time to about 2 hours or less.
What to serve
Smoked whole chicken is not only flavorful and easy to prepare, but you can also get creative with the side dishes you serve with it. To create a complete meal that will delight your taste buds, consider adding some fresh vegetables, grains, and starches to your plate.
For example, a fresh green salad is a great accompaniment to smoke whole chicken, as is a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes. You can also serve a grain-based dish like quinoa or wild rice to add texture and flavor to your meal.
Alternatively, you can opt for a more traditional side dish like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese. If you’re looking for something more unique, try adding roasted vegetables like brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash.
What to do with leftovers
There are plenty of options for using leftover smoked whole chicken. To start, you can shred the chicken and use it in a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, tacos, and more. You can also dice it up and add it to your favorite casseroles or burritos.
Another great option is to chop it up and use it as a topping for pizzas or even baked potatoes. If you want to get creative, try making some pulled chicken sliders with BBQ sauce or teriyaki sauce, or even create your own unique sandwich creation.
For those who want to get a bit more adventurous in the kitchen, you can also make some delicious enchiladas or quesadillas with the leftovers. The possibilities are endless when it comes to what you can do with leftover smoked whole chicken.
Storing in the fridge
Generally, smoked chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. After this time, the chicken may still be safe to eat but it may not taste as fresh or flavorful.
For optimal flavor and texture, it is best to consume the chicken within two days. If you are not going to consume the smoked chicken within four days, you can also freeze it. If frozen properly, it can last up to four months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat the frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight and cook it thoroughly before eating.
OTHER RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Pit Boss Whole Chicken
Try this delicious, mouth-watering Pit Boss whole chicken recipe for your next meal! Enjoy the smoky flavor and juicy texture that'll have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 piece Whole Chicken
- 1/2 cup Your Favorite Chicken Rub
Instructions
Preheat the smoker to 400°F then reduce to 325°F.
While the smoker is preheating, pat the whole chicken with paper towel and make sure the skin is fully dry.
Generously cover the whole chicken with your favorite chicken rub.
Place the whole chicken in the smoker and let it cook for about 2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Take the chicken out of the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
*Tip: Place the whole chicken in the fridge for about 2 hours before cooking. This will help dry the skin and will result in a crispy skin.