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Whole Smoked Chicken

Whole Smoked Chicken

By Traeger Kitchen

Wrap your next poultry cook with a little smoke. This whole chicken is brined, seasoned with our Big Game rub, lemon, garlic, fresh thyme and mesquite smoked for some smokin' flavor.

Prep Time

10 Min

Cook Time

3 Hrs

Pellets

Mesquite

Ingredients

Number of People Serving

6

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Units of Measurement:
Brine
1/2 Cup kosher salt
1 Cup brown sugar
1 (3 to 3-1/2 lb) whole chicken
main
1 Teaspoon minced garlic
As Needed Traeger Big Game Rub
1 lemon, halved
1 Medium yellow onion, quartered
3 Whole garlic clove
5 thyme sprigs

Step

  • 1

    For the Brine: Dissolve the kosher salt and brown sugar in 1 gallon of water. Once dissolved, place the chicken in the brine and refrigerate overnight. Make sure chicken is fully submerged weighing it down if necessary.

  • 2

    When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 225℉ and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke if available.

    225 ˚F / 107 ˚C

    00:15

  • 3

    While the grill preheats, remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry. Rub with the minced garlic and Traeger Big Game Rub. Next, stuff the cavity with the lemon, onion, garlic and thyme. Tie the legs together.

  • 4

    Place chicken directly on the grill grate and smoke for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until an instant-read thermometer reads 160℉ when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. The finished internal temperature will rise to 165℉ in the breast as the chicken rests. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving. Enjoy!

    160 ˚F / 71 ˚C

    02:30

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

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