How To Smoke Butterflied Chicken

Smoking Butterflied Chicken: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Smoking butterflied chicken is a fantastic way to infuse this classic dish with rich, smoky flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a novice griller, this method is sure to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to achieve perfectly smoked butterflied chicken that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Choosing the Right Chicken

When it comes to smoking butterflied chicken, starting with the right bird is crucial. Look for a fresh, high-quality whole chicken at your local butcher or grocery store. The size of the chicken will depend on the number of people you plan to serve, but a 4-5 pound bird is a good place to start.

Preparing the Chicken

Before you start smoking, you’ll need to prepare the chicken. Begin by removing the giblets from the cavity and patting the chicken dry with paper towels. Next, place the chicken breast-side down on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp pair of kitchen shears, carefully cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it. Once the backbone is removed, flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten the bird. This technique, known as butterflying, helps the chicken cook more evenly and allows for maximum smoke absorption.

Seasoning and Marinating

Now that your chicken is butterflied, it’s time to season and marinate it. Create a flavorful dry rub using a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Massage the dry rub all over the chicken, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. For an extra boost of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Setting Up the Smoker

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare your smoker. Whether you’re using a charcoal, gas, or electric smoker, the key is to maintain a consistent temperature of around 225-250°F. Add your favorite smoking wood, such as hickory, apple, or cherry, to the smoker for that signature smoky flavor.

Smoking the Chicken

Once the smoker is up to temperature, it’s time to smoke the chicken. Place the butterflied chicken on the smoker rack, skin-side up. Close the lid and let the chicken smoke for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat. During the smoking process, resist the urge to constantly open the smoker, as this can cause fluctuations in temperature and extend the cooking time.

Resting and Serving

When the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. Once rested, carve the chicken into pieces and serve it alongside your favorite barbecue sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, and baked beans.

Smoking butterflied chicken is a delicious way to elevate this classic dish and impress your guests with your grilling skills. With the right chicken, flavorful seasonings, and a bit of patience, you can achieve tender, juicy, and smoky perfection every time. So fire up the smoker, grab a cold drink, and get ready to enjoy some mouthwatering smoked butterflied chicken!