Skip to Main Content
Whole Smoked Chicken

Whole Smoked Chicken

By Dennis Prescott

This hardwood-smoked recipe was created by the awe-inspiring Dennis the Prescott. His beautiful and delicious smoked chicken is perfect for a wee feast. Make a turkey thankful and get stuffed on chicken instead.

Prep Time

15 Min

Cook Time

3 Hr

Pellets

Mesquite

Ingredients

Number of People Serving

4

Activating this element will cause content on the page to be updated.
Units of Measurment:
Brine
3/4 Cup salt
2 Tablespoon brown sugar
2 Clove garlic
2 Sprig thyme
2 Sprig rosemary
main
1 (5-6 lb) free-range chicken
1 lemon, halved
1 bulb garlic, halved
2 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon lemon zest
Seasoning
4 Teaspoon kosher salt
4 Teaspoon dehydrated garlic flakes
3 Teaspoon onion flakes
1 Teaspoon dried thyme
1 Teaspoon smoked paprika
2 Teaspoon dried parsley
2 Teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 Teaspoon crushed coriander seeds

Step

  • 1

    First, prepare the brine. In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water, salt, sugar, garlic and herbs, and bring it all to a boil. Give the water a stir until the salt dissolves, then remove from the heat.

  • 2

    Top with 8 cups of water. Submerge chicken in the brine and place in the fridge overnight.

  • 3

    Stir all of the ingredients for your seasoning together, cover and set aside.

  • 4

    When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 225°F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.

    225 ˚F / 107 ˚C

  • 5

    Remove the chicken from the brine, and pat it dry with paper towels.

  • 6

    Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the bird, getting it completely coated. Rub 1-1/2 tablespoons of prepared seasoning and lemon zest all over the chicken. Stuff both halves of the garlic bulb and lemon in the cavity of the bird.

  • 7

    Place on the preheated grill and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. It will take 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

    225 ˚F / 107 ˚C

    160 ˚F / 71 ˚C

  • 8

    Tip: Use the carcass/remains for stock. That sweet smoked grill flavor is to die for. Follow Dennis the Prescott's awesome Instagram for more delicious dishes.

Tips From the Pros: How to Smoke a Whole Chicken

Follow this step-by-step guide for smoking whole chicken with tips on buying, prepping, brines, injections, rubs, smoking woods, and a time and temp guide.

Learn More

My Notes

In order to add notes for this recipe, you must log in or create an account.