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–+ servings
Smoked Whole Chickens on a tray
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4.63 from 27 votes

How to Brine and Smoke a Whole Chicken

How to Brine and Smoke a Whole Chicken! It's easier than you think and will be the juiciest and most delicious chicken you have ever tasted! 
Prep Time2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time3 hours 45 minutes
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best chicken brine, chicken brine, grilled whole chicken, quick brine, smoked chicken
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 1260kcal
Author: Milisa

Ingredients

  • 5 pound whole chicken
  • 4 quarts warm water
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon peppercorns
  • 3 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 garlic cloves sliced in half
  • peel of a fresh lemon
  • 1/2 cup butter *optional
  • 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning *optional

Instructions

  • Add water and salt to a large bowl or deep pan. Mix until salt is dissolved.
  • Add peppercorns, rosemary, garlic and lemon peel.
  • Carefully lower chicken into water.
  • Cover and refrigerate 2 hours- 4 hours.
  • Prepare grill with hickory grilling wood for a medium-hot fire.
  • Smoke chicken over indirect heat 300-350 degrees for 1 hour 15 minutes - 1 1/2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  • Remove from grill and allow to rest 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Video

Notes

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Shred chicken and reheat over medium heat in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or mix into your favorite soups or casseroles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 1260kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 125g | Fat: 80g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 43g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 448mg | Sodium: 1461mg | Fiber: 1g