Best BBQ chicken in a smoker

A few weeks ago, I tried smoking a whole chicken for the first time.  What an experience!  Between trying to find the perfect dry rub, and figuring out smoking times, I had my hands full.

But let me first begin with my preferred type of smoker.  I tend to lean towards the electric smokers that allow you to use the smoking chips.  The brand I currently own is a Masterbuilt smoker.  What a great piece of BBQ equipment!  I am able to accurately keep the temp right where it needs to be, so I can carry on with my daily activities.

This piece of equipment comes with a remote, so you can control all aspects of the process.  The front window is great, but it does get fogged up as you continue to smoke.  After each use, you will need to clean the glass.

Now on to the chicken.....  I first picked up a whole chicken from the local grocery store.  The cook time for this bird was roughly six hours at 225 degrees.

I used my secret dry rub recipe that I have worked on for over 8 years now.  It has the sweet and heat that everyone is looking for in the rub.  I highly recommend not using a dry rub from the grocery store.  I have used one before, and it was terrible.

After applying a large amount of dry rub throughout the bird (including the cavities), I let it sit for three hours.  This allowed the rub to soak into the chicken.

As you can see, I used a drip pan while the chicken sat, so I could reapply the drippings as the chicken sat waiting.  Right before the chicken went into the smoker, I applied squeeze butter all over the skin, so I could get a good crisp flavor.  The squeeze butter helps the skin get crispy, while it keeps the meat moist with flavor.

Throughout the cooking process, I would spray apple juice over the top of the chicken.  This would help keep the moisture in, while given the skin that extra crisp and flavor.  After the six hours, I pulled the chicken from the smoker and this was my end result.

I let rest for approximately 30 minutes to make sure all the juices went back into the meat.  Now some of you like a little BBQ sauce on the side with your chicken.  So below, I have added a recipe that will make you come back and read more!

Todd's BBQ Sauce
2 Tablespoons Onion Powder
2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
Two 6 Ounce Cans of Tomato Paste
2 Tablespoons Paprika
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Cup Light Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons Honey
2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
2 Tablespoons Fresh Ground Pepper

In a bowl, mix all ingredients.  Apply a pan to the stove and over medium heat, pour sauce mixture into pan.  Heat sauce for roughly ten minutes stirring occasionally so as not to burn the sauce.  For some of you that prefer a sauce that has more liquid, add a cup of water, and stir.  Continue to add water until you have it to the consistency that you desire.

Until Next Time!