Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSassy's Red HouseSassy's Smoked Chicken Recipe

Sassy's Smoked Chicken Recipe

Inspired by Sassy's Red House
Time6h
Serves4

Authentic Arkansas BBQ, slow smoked.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Meat

Brine

Dry Rub

Smoking

Method

Brining the Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare the Brine

    In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, crushed garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Stir until the salt and sugar have dissolved.

  2. 2

    Brine the Chicken

    Submerge the whole chicken in the brine solution. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Preparing the Chicken

  1. 3

    Remove from Brine

    After brining, remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.

  2. 4

    Apply the Dry Rub

    In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, brown sugar, and salt. Rub the dry mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor.

Smoking the Chicken

  1. 5

    Prepare the Smoker

    Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Soak the hickory wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.

  2. 6

    Add Wood Chips

    Place the soaked hickory wood chips in the smoker box or directly on the coals.

  3. 7

    Smoke the Chicken

    Place the chicken in the smoker, breast side up. Smoke for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving

  1. 8

    Rest and Serve

    Once smoked, remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite BBQ sides.

More from Sassy's Red House