Smoked Half Chicken Recipe
Make Smoked Half Chicken Recipe in just 4h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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For the Chicken
For the Brine
Method
Brining the Chicken
- 1
Prepare the Brine
In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of brown sugar, smashed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and rosemary sprigs. Heat over medium heat until the salt and sugar dissolve.
- 2
Cool the Brine
Remove the pot from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature. This is crucial for retaining the chicken's moisture.
- 3
Brine the Chicken
Once cooled, submerge the halved chicken in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for optimal flavor.
Preparing the Chicken
- 4
Preheat the Smoker
Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). This low and slow cooking will help infuse the chicken with a smoky flavor.
- 5
Season the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, then season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and lemon juice.
- 6
Smoke the Chicken
Place the chicken skin-side up in the smoker. Close the lid and smoke for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serving
- 7
Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides.