Hey everyone. Not sure if this is posted in the right place but I just was hoping for some suggestions. I smoked a whole chicken last night. 6lbs . I used 2.5oz of hickory and threw a charcoal bricket in there to see if it would make a smoke ring. I lined the bottom of the fire box with foil. Brined chicken for 8 hours and seasoned the skin just before I put it on. Came out perfectly cooked 165 in the breast. Super juicy but the meat didn't have a strong smoky flavor like I prefer. Skin was definitely good and smoked but not crispy. Question, is the skin blocking smoke to the meat? Crispy skin is good but not needed for me. I did air dry for 8 hours prior. Should I just use more wood. No pink ring either
Spatchcocked chicken
- Thread starter MacSmokin
- Start date
Grampy
New member
Justin, I spatchcock and smoke chickens all the time in my #2. First off, the skin is not blocking the smoke from getting to your meat. You are never going to get crispy skin in these smokers unless you take them off the smoker and put them in a broiler or on the grill to crisp it up. The temp simply does not get up high enough to render the fat out of the skin and the smoker is so well insulated it helps to keep in moisture. If you like a stronger flavor of smoke, I would bump up the amount of wood you use to 3 oz and see how you like that. If it is still not to your liking add a little more the next time. Keep experimenting until you reach the level of smoke flavor you like. Smoke flavor is very subjective and varies from person to person. Word of warning though, there is a fine line between having good smoke flavor and going over board and having a very acrid and bitter tasting piece of meat. Increase the amount of wood you use in very small increments (like 1/2 ozs) until you hit upon the profile you like the best.
Grampy
New member
MacSmokin said:Thanks Jimmy. I'll try 3oz next time. Skin definitely isn't a big deal for me. Good to know it's not disrupting my smokiness
For most on here the dog or the trash gets the skin when we smoke chicken ;D Some people do remove the skin prior to smoking but in my opinion the skin helps retain moisture in the meat and I just pull off the skin prior to eating the chicken.
SconnieQ
New member
Leave the skin on. Feed it to the dog (after you've gnawed off any little bits you want). Add more wood if you want more smoke in the flesh. Surprisingly, of all of the things I smoke, chicken and turkey are the ones that most people are impressed with. Why? Because most people cook chicken and turkey TO DEATH in their own home ovens. If you cook to the right temp, it will be SO moist, and you will be a star.
BedouinBob
New member
Oh great, now I have to get a dog.... 
DivotMaker
New member
Hey Justin, chicken is SO good in the SI! I agree with Jimmy - add wood, a little at a time, until it's right for you. Curious... have you ever tried brining a chicken? It takes it to a whole new level! Easy to do, and is well-worth the effort. Here's what I use:
DM's All-Purpose Poultry Brine
DM's All-Purpose Poultry Brine
