Abilene
Elevate your backyard BBQ game with the tantalizing flavors of the Abilene smoked chicken! This recipe combines a beautifully seasoned whole chicken with the irresistible charm of a honey glaze for a show-stopping main course. Infused with the smoky essence of hickory or applewood, the chicken is expertly coated in a bold spice rub featuring paprika, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then slowly smoked to perfection. A sweet and tangy honey glaze made with apple cider vinegar and yellow mustard is brushed on during the final minutes, creating a sticky, caramelized finish that’s simply unforgettable. Perfect for weekend gatherings or a rustic dinner, this dish pairs wonderfully with classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans. Indulge in this smoky, sweet, and savory masterpiece that’s bound to become a culinary favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 piece whole chicken
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.25 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 2 cups wood chips (hickory or applewood)
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Start by soaking the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.
Rinse the whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets if necessary.
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt, and smoked paprika.
Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season generously with the spice mixture, ensuring it evenly coats the entire chicken, including under the skin if possible.
Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C), following the manufacturer’s instructions. Drain the soaked wood chips and add them to the smoker to create that wonderful smoky flavor.
Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in the smoker. Close the lid and smoke for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (79°C) in the thighs.
While the chicken is smoking, prepare the honey glaze by combining honey, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
During the last 20 minutes of smoking, brush the chicken generously with the honey glaze. Repeat this step one or two more times for a sticky, flavorful finish.
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm and enjoy your Abilene-style smoked chicken with your favorite sides, such as cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
743 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.9 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.0 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 105 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 225 mg | 10% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.1 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 50.8 g | ||
| Protein | 31.9 g | 64% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 168 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 896 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
