Smoked Bbq Chicken

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Preheat Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add your choice of wood chips to the smoker.
  2. Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
  3. Season Chicken: Rub the chicken quarters with olive oil, then generously coat them with the seasoning mixture.

Step 2: Smoke the Chicken

  1. Place Chicken in Smoker: Place the seasoned chicken quarters in the smoker, skin-side up.
  2. Smoke: Smoke the chicken at 225°F (107°C) for about 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Step 3: Prepare the BBQ Sauce

  1. Combine Ingredients: While the chicken is smoking, combine the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, molasses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Baste the Chicken

  1. Baste with BBQ Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, baste the chicken quarters with the prepared BBQ sauce using a basting brush.
  2. Caramelize: Continue smoking the chicken, allowing the BBQ sauce to caramelize and create a sticky glaze on the chicken.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  1. Check Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).
  2. Rest: Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  3. Serve: Serve the smoked BBQ chicken with additional BBQ sauce on the side.

Tips and Tricks

  • Wood Chips: Experiment with different types of wood chips for varying smoke flavors. Hickory and apple wood are popular choices for chicken.
  • Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent smoking temperature to ensure even cooking.
  • Sauce: Adjust the sweetness and spiciness of the BBQ sauce to your preference by adding more or less sugar and cayenne pepper.

Variations

  • BBQ Chicken Wings: Use the same seasoning and BBQ sauce to smoke chicken wings for a delicious appetizer.
  • Spicy BBQ Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper and add hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a spicier version.
  • Honey BBQ Chicken: Add honey to the BBQ sauce for a sweeter, honey-glazed chicken.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Sides: Serve with classic BBQ sides like coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, or potato salad.
  • On a Sandwich: Shred the smoked chicken and serve it on a bun with coleslaw for a tasty BBQ chicken sandwich.
  • Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion

Smoked BBQ Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that captures the essence of outdoor cooking. The combination of smoky, tender chicken and tangy, sweet barbecue sauce is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow this detailed recipe to create a mouthwatering meal that will leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy the delicious taste of perfectly smoked BBQ chicken!

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