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Easy Smoked Whole Chicken with Italian Marinade photo

Smoked Whole Chicken with Italian Marinade

This Smoked Whole Chicken is a flavor-packed feast! Infused with a vibrant Italian marinade, it’s perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 1 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 each lemon juice of (save the peel!)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic sea salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Smoker or grill with smoking capability
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowl for the marinade
  • Brush for applying the marinade
  • Sharp knife for carving
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped basil, minced garlic, lemon juice, black pepper, garlic sea salt, paprika, crushed red pepper, and olive oil. Stir well to create a fragrant marinade.
  2. Take your whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Apply the marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin and inside the cavity. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
  3. Preheat your smoker or grill for indirect cooking to about 225°F (107°C).
  4. Place the marinated chicken on the grill grate, breast side up. Smoke for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
  • Experiment with different wood chips like cherry or hickory for unique flavors.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.