The time to smoke a whole chicken varies depending on the smoker temperature, chicken size, and whether the chicken is spatchcocked (butterflied). Here are the general guidelines:

• At around 275°F, smoking a whole chicken typically takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 170-175°F in the thighs

• For a 4-pound chicken, expect roughly 2-3 hours at 275°F, or about 30 minutes per pound. If the chicken browns too fast, you can shield it with foil

• Smoking low and slow at 225-250°F can take 3-4 hours or more. Some recommend starting at a low temp (220°F for 1 hour) then increasing to 350°F to finish cooking and crisp the skin, totaling about 2 hours

• Spatchcocking the chicken reduces cooking time significantly. At 350-400°F, a spatchcocked chicken can cook in about 40-60 minutes

• Cooking at higher temps like 350-400°F generally shortens the time to about 1-1.5 hours but requires careful monitoring to avoid drying out the meat

• The key is to always cook to a safe internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh, using a reliable meat thermometer rather than relying solely on time

In summary, smoking a whole chicken at 275°F usually takes 2.5-3 hours, but spatchcocking and higher temperatures can reduce this to under an hour. Always monitor internal temperature for best results.