Smoking a whole chicken involves seasoning and cooking it slowly over indirect heat with wood smoke to infuse flavor and achieve tender, juicy meat with crispy skin. Here is a concise overview of how to smoke a whole chicken based on multiple expert recipes:

Preparation

• Optionally brine the chicken for 12-24 hours with water, salt, herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaves), citrus (lemon, orange), and spices to enhance moisture and flavor

• Pat the chicken dry to help skin crispiness.
• Apply a dry rub or seasoning blend, which may include kosher salt, black or white pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and other spices

• Tie the legs together with butcher twine and tuck wing tips to prevent burning

Smoking Process

• Preheat smoker to a temperature between 220°F and 350°F depending on the method:
  • Some recipes start at 220°F for an hour, then increase to 350°F to finish cooking

* Others maintain a steady 275°F for about 3 to 4 hours

* A higher temp of 350°F can also be used for a shorter smoke time (~1 to 1.5 hours)

• Use wood chips or chunks such as hickory, cherry, pecan, or mesquite for smoke flavor

• Place the chicken directly on the grill grates or smoker rack.
• Smoke until internal temperature reaches:
  • Breast: 160-165°F
  • Thighs: 170-175°F
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to monitor doneness rather than relying solely on time

Finishing Touches

• Optionally baste with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes for added flavor and glaze

• For extra crispy skin, increase smoker temperature to 375-400°F near the end of cooking

• Let the chicken rest for 5-15 minutes after removing from the smoker to allow juices to redistribute

• Carve and serve.

Smoking times vary by chicken size and smoker consistency but typically range from 2.5 to 4 hours at 275°F or about 1 to 1.5 hours at 350°F

. The result is a flavorful, moist, and tender smoked whole chicken with crispy skin. This method combines seasoning, controlled smoking temperature, and careful monitoring of internal temperature to achieve optimal smoked chicken