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Smoked BBQ Chicken: A Flavorful and Tender Feast
If you’re looking to elevate your grilling game and bring bold, smoky flavors to your backyard BBQ, Smoked BBQ Chicken is the way to go. This recipe takes the classic BBQ chicken to a whole new level by infusing the chicken with rich smoky aromas and pairing it with a sweet, tangy BBQ sauce that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
Smoked BBQ Chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The slow smoking process ensures that every bite is packed with smoky goodness, while the caramelized BBQ sauce adds that perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, a family dinner, or just craving a delicious smoky chicken dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
Let’s dive into how you can create the perfect Smoked BBQ Chicken at home!
🍴 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and juicy – smoking the chicken low and slow keeps it moist and flavorful
- Smoky, savory goodness – the infusion of smoke gives the chicken a rich depth of flavor
- Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce – the homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce enhances the flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice
- Easy to make – despite the long cook time, the process is simple and allows you to enjoy hands-off cooking
- Perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, smoked BBQ chicken is always a crowd-pleaser
🛒 Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (you can use a whole chicken as well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the dry rub:
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for an extra smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the BBQ sauce:
- 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a bit of sweetness)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil to help the rub adhere, then season with salt and pepper.
2. Make the dry rub
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix well.
3. Apply the dry rub
Generously apply the dry rub to all sides of the chicken. Make sure to rub it in well, so the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb.
4. Prepare the smoker
Set up your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Preheat it to 225°F (107°C) using your favorite wood chips or chunks (hickory, applewood, or mesquite work great for chicken).
If you’re using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect grilling by placing the coals on one side and the chicken on the other. Add a handful of soaked wood chips to the coals for smoke.
5. Smoke the chicken
Place the chicken on the smoker grate, bone-side down. Close the smoker and allow the chicken to cook slowly for about 2 to 2.5 hours. This slow and steady cooking method ensures the chicken becomes tender and absorbs all the smoky flavors.
6. Check the internal temperature
After about 2 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the meat. If the chicken has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to move on to the next step.
7. Add the BBQ sauce
Brush the chicken with a generous amount of BBQ sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. This will give the sauce time to caramelize on the chicken, creating a beautiful glaze. If you prefer extra sauce, feel free to add more in the final moments of smoking.
