How To Smoke A Whole Chicken On A Weber Smokey Mountain

Smoking a Whole Chicken on a Weber Smokey Mountain

Welcome to the wonderful world of smoking meat! If you’re new to smoking or just looking for some tips on how to smoke a whole chicken on a Weber Smokey Mountain, you’ve come to the right place. Smoking a whole chicken can be a delicious and rewarding experience, and with the right techniques, you can achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results every time.

Preparing the Chicken

Before you fire up the smoker, it’s important to properly prepare the chicken. Start by removing the giblets from the cavity and patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Then, season the chicken generously with your favorite dry rub. This can be a store-bought rub or a homemade blend of herbs and spices. Make sure to season both the outside and inside of the chicken for maximum flavor.

Setting Up the Smoker

Now it’s time to get the Weber Smokey Mountain ready for action. Start by filling the charcoal chamber with charcoal briquettes and adding a few chunks of your favorite smoking wood, such as hickory or apple. Light the charcoal using a chimney starter until the coals are hot and ashy. Once the coals are ready, carefully pour them into the charcoal chamber and assemble the smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Smoking the Chicken

Once the smoker is up to temperature (around 225-250°F), it’s time to place the chicken on the cooking grate. Make sure to position the chicken so that it is not directly over the coals to prevent it from cooking too quickly. Close the lid of the smoker and let the chicken smoke for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat.

Adding Flavor

To add an extra layer of flavor to your smoked chicken, consider spritzing it with a mixture of apple juice and cider vinegar every hour during the smoking process. This will help keep the chicken moist and enhance the overall taste.

Resting and Serving

Once the chicken has reached the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy bird. Carve the chicken into pieces and serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Smoking a whole chicken on a Weber Smokey Mountain is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue in the comfort of your own backyard. With a little preparation and patience, you can create mouthwatering smoked chicken that will have your friends and family coming back for more.

So, fire up your smoker, grab a whole chicken, and get ready to impress everyone with your newfound smoking skills!