Description
Smoked BBQ Chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with smoky flavor, finished with a rich, tangy barbecue glaze—perfect for summer cookouts or weekend meals.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters (or thighs and drumsticks)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp BBQ dry rub (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Wood chips (hickory or applewood recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 250°F (120°C) using wood chips for smoke flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, mix BBQ rub, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Rub the spice blend all over the chicken.
- Place chicken on smoker grates skin-side up. Close the lid and smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush chicken with BBQ sauce every 10 minutes to create a sticky glaze.
- Remove from smoker and rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—don’t rely solely on time.
- Chicken can also be finished on a grill for a crispier skin.
- Letting the chicken rest helps retain juices before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken quarter
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg