HERBED SMOKED CHICKEN RECIPE

HERBED SMOKED CHICKEN

A savory, wood-smoked chicken infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and gentle spices. Perfect for weekend grilling, gatherings, or meal-prep with deep flavor.

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INGREDIENTS

For the Herb Marinade

• 1 whole chicken (1.3–1.8 kg) or 4–6 bone-in chicken pieces

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tsp salt

• 1½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning OR mixture of:

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp crushed chili (optional for heat)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional but adds brightness)

For Smoking

• Wood chips: apple, cherry, hickory, or mesquite

• ½ small onion, sliced (for placing inside the chicken if whole)

• 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)

• 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

• Additional salt & pepper

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse and pat the chicken completely dry.

2. If using a whole chicken, gently loosen the skin around the breasts and thighs with your fingers to help the marinade penetrate.

3. Season lightly with salt and pepper before marinating.

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2. Make the Herb Marinade

1. In a bowl, whisk together: olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, dried herbs, paprika, onion powder, chili flakes, and lemon zest.

2. Taste and adjust salt or herbs to your liking.

3. Coat the chicken generously with the marinade—inside, outside, and under the skin if whole.

4. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or container.

5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight for the deepest flavor.

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3. Prepare Your Smoker or Grill

1. Soak wood chips for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat smoker or charcoal grill to 225–250°F (107–121°C).

3. Add soaked wood chips to your smoker box or directly on hot coals.

4. If using a whole chicken, place onion slices and the fresh rosemary/thyme sprigs inside the cavity for aromatics.

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4. Smoke the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.

2. Place chicken (skin-side up) on the smoker grate.

3. Smoke for 2.5–4 hours, depending on size:

   • Small pieces: 1.5–2 hours

   • Whole chicken: 3–4 hours

4. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

5. Optional: Mist or baste with a little olive oil + lemon every hour to keep the skin supple.

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5. Resting & Serving

1. Remove chicken and let it rest 10–15 minutes before carving.

2. Garnish with fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme.

3. Serve with:

   • Roasted potatoes

   • Grilled corn

   • Herb rice

   • Lemon garlic green beans

   • A cool cucumber yogurt sauce

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EXTRA FLAVOR VARIATIONS

Herb Butter Upgrade

Mix:

• 4 tbsp softened butter

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp rosemary

• 1 tsp parsley

• 1 minced garlic clove

Rub under the skin before smoking for a richer, juicier result.

Citrus-Herb Version

Add orange zest + a squeeze of orange juice to the marinade for a brighter, Mediterranean profile.

Spicy-Herb Smoked Chicken

Add 1 tsp cayenne + 1 tbsp hot sauce to the marinade.

OTHER RECIPES

A nice smoked chicken recipe to try !

Smoked Chicken Recipes INGREDIENTS

• Wood chips, soaked 1 hour
• 1 1/2 cups softened butter, divided
• 3 (3 lb.) broiler-fryers
• 3 bunches fresh herbs, untrimmed
• Additional softened butter
• Freshly ground pepper

Smoked Chicken Recipes INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare charcoal fire in smoker. 

Scatter wood chips over coals. 

Place water pan in smoker, and fill with water, wine or fruit juice.

Place 1/2 cup butter in cavity of each broiler-fryer, and stuff each with 1 bunch of herbs, including stems and leaves. 

Rub additional butter and pepper liberally on surface of chickens, and place them on grill rack. 

Insert meat thermometer, making sure it does not touch bone. 

Cover with smoker lid; cook 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours or until thermometer reaches 185 degrees. 

Refill the water pan and add charcoal as needed...and the smoked chicken recipe herbed is ready to serve...enjoy it !
smoked-lemon-chicken recipe

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