2whole chickens, cut in half and back strap removed
2tablespoonsolive oil
Instructions
Preheat the smoker to 250°.
Rub: Combine all of the ingredients and set aside.
Spritzer: Add the apple juice, cider, and water to a spray bottle and shake. Set aside.
Sauce: In a small saucepot, add the BBQ sauce, butter, and 1 cup of the spritzer mix. Keep warm.
Rub the olive oil all over both sides of the chicken, creating a thin layer.
Next, generously season the chicken on both sides with the rub. There will be 2-3 tablespoons leftover.
Add the chicken to the smoker and cook for 1 hour. Spray the chicken with 4-5 sprays each of the spritzer and do so after that every 20-25 minutes or until it reaches an internal leg temperature of 150° to 155°.
Sauce the chicken using a brush and smoke until it reaches an internal leg temperature of 165°.
Remove from the smoker and let rest for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Serve alongside BBQ sauce.
Notes
Make-Ahead: The chicken is meant to be eaten as soon as it’s done resting. However, you can keep it warm in a pan covered in the oven at very low temperatures (175° to 200°) for up to 1 hour before serving.How to Store: Store it in a container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The chicken also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 1 day before reheating.How to Reheat: Place the desired amount of smoked chicken in a pan with ½ cup of water or chicken stock. Cover with a lid or foil and cook in the oven at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until warm.You can absolutely use a standard charcoal grill to smoke food in, and if you like to grill and smoke, then look at pellet grills or even a stone-style grill, like the Big Green Egg.Feel free to use your favorite rub for this smoked chicken recipe, or you can even add additional ingredients such as chili powder or oregano or anything else you love and want to put in it.I like to use the rule that a savory rub should use a sweeter spritz and vice versa, or a sweeter rub should mean higher vinegar content for the spritzer.Seasoning Note: Season, do not cake the rub on it. It should not be a thickly coated rub.If you are in a pinch for time, split the chicken breasts from the thighs before smoking.