Are you a BBQ lover looking for new and exciting ways to cook your chicken? Look no further! Smoker chicken recipes are a staple of any backyard barbecue, and with so many delicious flavors to choose from, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. But fear not, dear readers, because we’ve got 20 mouthwatering smoker chicken recipes that will take your grilling game to the next level.
From classic whole chickens to spicy wings and everything in between, these recipes are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a fan of sweet and sticky glazes or tangy BBQ sauces, we’ve got you covered. So grab your smoker and get ready to fire up the grill – it’s time to elevate your chicken game!
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Classic Smoked Whole Chicken with Herb Rub
Classic Smoked Whole Chicken with Herb Rub: A mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, smoky flavor, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a weekend dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 1/2 cup herb rub (see below)
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple work well)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Herb Rub:
– 2 tablespoons dried thyme
– 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Mix herb rub ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
4. Place chicken in smoker, breast side up. Close lid and smoke for 4-5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove chicken from smoker and brush with brown sugar and smoked paprika mixture.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Spicy Honey Glazed Smoker Chicken Wings
Elevate your snack game with these sticky, sweet, and spicy chicken wings that will leave you craving for more! This recipe combines the classic flavors of honey and hot sauce to create a mouthwatering glaze that’s perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wood chips or chunks for smoking (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss chicken wings with the glaze until fully coated.
4. Place wings on smoker or grill, close lid, and cook for 2-3 hours or until cooked through.
5. If using wood chips or chunks, add them to the smoker during the last hour of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Smoked Beer Can Chicken with Garlic Butter
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with this mouthwatering, easy-to-make recipe that combines the rich flavors of smoked chicken and garlic butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
– 1 beer can (any style, but dark beers work best)
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Wood chips or chunks for smoking (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker or grill to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove giblets from chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Place beer can in cavity of chicken, making sure it’s seated comfortably.
5. Spread garlic butter mixture evenly under the skin, working your way around the chicken.
6. Smoke or grill chicken for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Tips: For an added smoky flavor, use wood chips or chunks in your smoker or grill. Make sure to keep the beer can in place throughout the cooking process to ensure even browning and juiciness.
Southern-Style Smoked Chicken Thighs
Southern-Style Smoked Chicken Thighs: A classic recipe that brings out the rich flavors of tender chicken thighs infused with the deep smokiness of a Southern-style barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Rub the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken thighs, making sure they’re well-coated.
4. Place the chicken thighs in the smoker, fat-side up.
5. Smoke for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (depending on the size of your chicken thighs)
Smoked Chicken Drumsticks with Sweet BBQ Sauce
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these tender and juicy smoked chicken drumsticks slathered in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for summer gatherings or casual get-togethers, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1 cup wood chips (such as hickory or apple)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sweet BBQ Sauce (recipe below)
Smoking Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Season drumsticks with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Place wood chips in the smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Smoke drumsticks for 2-3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Brush with Sweet BBQ Sauce during last 30 minutes of smoking.
Sweet BBQ Sauce:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (including prep time)
Jerk-Spiced Smoker Chicken Quarters
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Caribbean-inspired smoker chicken quarters recipe, featuring the bold and aromatic jerk seasoning. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing main course or as an appetizer for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters
– 1/2 cup jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp lime juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together jerk seasoning, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger.
3. Rub the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken quarters, making sure they’re well-coated.
4. Place the chicken in the smoker, skin side up. Close the lid and smoke for 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Smoked Chicken Breast with Lemon Pepper Marinade
Elevate your chicken game with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the richness of smoked chicken with the brightness of lemon pepper.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup lemon pepper marinade (see below)
– 1 cup wood chips for smoking (such as apple or cherry)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon Pepper Marinade:
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together marinade ingredients.
3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Smoke chicken for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Smoked Chicken Legs with Hickory Wood Chips
Transform your chicken legs into tender, flavorful treats by infusing them with the rich aroma of hickory wood chips. This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a weekend BBQ or dinner gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken legs
– 1 cup hickory wood chips
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (110°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture evenly onto the chicken legs, making sure they’re fully coated.
4. Place the chicken legs in the smoker, leaving about 1 inch of space between each leg.
5. Add hickory wood chips to the smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions (typically 1-2 cups).
6. Smoke for 2-3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Applewood Smoked Chicken with Bourbon Glaze
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and smoky chicken dish, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup Applewood chips
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (or use a charcoal grill with wood chips).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, honey, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Place chicken in the smoker or grill, and smoke/cook for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Brush bourbon glaze on chicken every 30 minutes during the last hour of cooking.
6. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Smoked Chicken and Pineapple Skewers
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with these sweet and savory skewers featuring tender smoked chicken, caramelized pineapple, and a hint of spicy flavor. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a unique appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (colorful), cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pineapple chunks
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken, bell peppers, and pineapple; toss to coat evenly.
3. Thread skewer ingredients onto bamboo sticks, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Smoke for 2-3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Serve warm with your favorite sides or as an appetizer.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Cajun-Spiced Smoked Chicken Wings
Get ready to spice up your snack game with this bold and flavorful recipe for Cajun-Spiced Smoked Chicken Wings. Perfect for game day or a casual gathering, these addictive wings combine the richness of smoked chicken with the bold flavors of the Bayou.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning blend
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Cajun seasoning blend, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss chicken wings with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
4. Smoke wings for 2-3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Remove from smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Smoked Chicken Sandwiches with Tangy Slaw
Experience the rich flavors of smoked chicken and tangy slaw on toasted buns, perfect for a satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 4 hamburger buns
– Tangy Slaw (see below)
– Lettuce, tomato, and pickles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Place chicken in the smoker for 4-5 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. While the chicken is smoking, prepare the Tangy Slaw (see below).
6. Assemble sandwiches by slicing the smoked chicken and placing it on toasted buns with a dollop of Tangy Slaw.
Tangy Slaw:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Maple-Brined Smoked Chicken Wings
Maple-Brined Smoked Chicken Wings Recipe
Transform your chicken wings into a sweet and savory masterpiece with this simple recipe. A combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich and sticky glaze that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavor from the smoker.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs chicken wings
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine water, maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the chicken wings to the brine mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat your smoker to 275°F (135°C).
4. Remove the wings from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
5. Smoke the wings for 2-3 hours, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the wings with additional maple syrup if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Smoked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema
Elevate your taco game with this smoky and creamy combination. Slow-cooked chicken, rich avocado crema, and crunchy toppings come together in a flavor explosion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Avocado crema (recipe below)
– Toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, queso fresco
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
4. Smoke the chicken for 2-3 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble tacos by spooning shredded chicken onto a tortilla, topping with avocado crema, and adding your favorite toppings.
Avocado Crema:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
Mash the avocados in a bowl until smooth. Stir in sour cream, lime juice, and salt. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Texas-Style Smoked Chicken with Dry Rub
Experience the bold flavors of Texas-style smoked chicken with this easy-to-make recipe using a dry rub. Perfect for BBQ enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this method yields tender, juicy chicken with a richly flavored crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup dry rub (see below)
– 1 cup wood chips (post oak or mesquite recommended)
Dry Rub:
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tbsp ground cumin
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tbsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. Mix dry rub ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Remove any excess moisture from chicken breasts with paper towels.
4. Apply dry rub evenly to both sides of the chicken.
5. Place chicken in smoker and cook for 4-5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Finish with additional wood chips, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 hours
Smoked Chicken Pizza with BBQ Sauce
This recipe combines the rich flavors of smoked chicken with the tanginess of BBQ sauce on a crispy pizza crust, perfect for a unique twist on traditional pizza night.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/2 cup cooked and shredded smoked chicken breast
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Spread BBQ sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Top with chopped cilantro, mozzarella cheese, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
5. Arrange smoked chicken breast on top of the pizza.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoked Chicken Salad with Ranch Dressing
A classic combination of smoky chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy ranch dressing makes for a satisfying salad perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp ranch dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the smoked chicken, celery, red bell pepper, and green onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and ranch dressing until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Smoked Chicken Quesadillas with Pepper Jack Cheese
Smoked Chicken Quesadillas with Pepper Jack Cheese Recipe
Get ready to elevate your quesadilla game with the rich flavors of smoked chicken and spicy pepper jack cheese!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb smoked chicken breast, shredded
– 2 large flour tortillas
– 1/4 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced onions, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the smoked chicken and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Sprinkle half of the pepper jack cheese on top of the chicken.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Smoked Chicken and Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños
Elevate your snack game with this addictive combination of smoky chicken, crispy bacon, and spicy jalapeños. Perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or party treat.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeño peppers
– 1/2 cup smoked chicken breast or thighs, shredded
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (110°C) or prepare for a gas grill.
2. Slice the jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a small bowl, mix together smoked chicken and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Wrap each jalapeño half with about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Cut bacon slices into smaller pieces and wrap each jalapeño with a piece of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
6. Place wrapped jalapeños on smoker or grill for 30-40 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and chicken is heated through.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Smoked Chicken Nachos with Melted Cheese
Elevate your nacho game with this recipe that combines tender smoked chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked chicken breast, shredded
– 1 cup tortilla chips
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Top with shredded smoked chicken, spreading evenly.
4. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the chicken.
5. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle cilantro on top.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fire up your smoker and tantalize your taste buds with these mouthwatering chicken recipes! From classic whole chickens to flavorful wings, thighs, and drumsticks, we’ve got you covered. Our collection of 20 delicious smoker chicken recipes includes spicy honey glazed wings, smoked beer can chicken, and southern-style smoked chicken thighs. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and tangy or smoky and savory, there’s a recipe here to satisfy your cravings. So grab your apron and let the smokin’ begin!
