1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This allows it to come closer to room temperature for more even cooking.
- Rinse the chicken inside and out under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Ensuring the chicken is dry helps the skin crisp up during the smoking process.
- Coat the chicken lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the skin to get crispy and golden, and also helps the rub adhere to the chicken.
- Generously apply your chosen dry rub both inside and outside the chicken, as well as under the skin where possible.
2. Preheat Your Z Grills Pellet Smoker:
- Preheat your Z Grills pellet smoker to 225°F (107°C) with the lid closed for about 15 minutes. For smoking chicken, woods like apple, cherry, or hickory provide excellent flavor.
- If your Z Grills model has a smoke setting, you might want to start with that for the first hour to really infuse the chicken with smoke flavor.
3. Smoke the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breast-side up directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh, away from bone. This usually takes about 3 to 4 hours, but the exact time can vary based on the size of the chicken and the consistency of your grill temperature.
- If desired, you can increase the grill temperature to 350°F (177°C) during the last 30 minutes of cooking to crisp up the skin.
4. Rest and Serve:
- Once the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken is moist and flavorful.
- Carve the chicken and serve.
Tips for Smoking Chicken on Z Grills:
- Monitoring Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the chicken’s internal temperature.
- Water Pan: Placing a water pan in the smoker can help maintain moisture during the long smoking process.
- Basting: If you like, baste the chicken with a sauce or a marinade during the last hour of cooking to add more flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different rubs and woods to find your favorite combination.
Smoking chicken on a Z Grills pellet smoker is a simple yet rewarding cooking method that delivers tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Whether it’s a weekend BBQ, a family dinner, or a special occasion, smoked chicken is sure to be a hit.