How To Smoke Chicken In A Gas Grill

Smoking Chicken in a Gas Grill: A Delicious and Easy Guide

Smoking chicken in a gas grill is a fantastic way to infuse your meat with a delicious smoky flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, this method is simple and yields mouthwatering results. Follow these easy steps to achieve juicy, flavorful smoked chicken right in your own backyard.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather the following supplies:

• Gas grill
• Wood chips or chunks (hickory, apple, or cherry wood work well)
• Whole chicken or chicken pieces
• Seasonings of your choice
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer

Preparing the Grill

Start by preheating your gas grill to a low temperature, around 225-250°F (107-121°C). While the grill is heating up, soak the wood chips or chunks in water for at least 30 minutes. Once the grill is hot and the wood is soaked, it’s time to prepare the chicken.

Prepping the Chicken

If you’re using a whole chicken, pat it dry with paper towels and season it generously with your favorite dry rub or seasoning blend. If you’re using chicken pieces, you can season them individually or marinate them in your preferred sauce or seasoning mixture. Once the chicken is seasoned, it’s ready for the grill.

Setting Up the Grill for Smoking

Now, it’s time to create a smoking pouch for the wood chips. Take a large piece of aluminum foil and place a handful of the soaked wood chips in the center. Fold the foil over the wood chips and seal the edges to create a pouch. Use a fork to poke several holes in the top of the pouch to allow the smoke to escape.

Place the smoking pouch directly on one of the grill’s burners or over the heat source. Close the lid of the grill and allow it to heat up until it starts producing smoke. Once you see smoke coming from the grill, it’s time to add the chicken.

Smoking the Chicken

Carefully place the seasoned chicken on the grill grates, away from the direct heat source. Close the lid of the grill to trap the smoke inside. Let the chicken smoke for 1-2 hours, depending on the size and cut of the meat. It’s important to monitor the temperature of the grill to ensure it stays within the optimal range for smoking.

Checking for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The USDA recommends that poultry should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. Once the chicken reaches this temperature, it’s ready to be removed from the grill.

Resting and Serving

Allow the smoked chicken to rest for a few minutes before carving or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy result. Whether you’re serving the smoked chicken as a standalone dish or incorporating it into a recipe, it’s sure to be a hit with your friends and family.

Smoking chicken in a gas grill is a rewarding and delicious cooking method that anyone can master. With a few simple steps and the right equipment, you can enjoy the mouthwatering flavor of smoked chicken right in your own backyard. So fire up the grill, gather your supplies, and get ready to impress your guests with this delectable dish!