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!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Start by soaking the wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2

Rinse the whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove any giblets if necessary.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt, and smoked paprika.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy your Abilene-style smoked chicken with your favorite sides, such as cornbread, coleslaw, or baked beans.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2987.3 grams (2987.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	743

Total Fat 41.90g	54%
Saturated Fat 8.00g	40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 105mg	35%
Sodium 225mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate 72.10g	26%
Dietary Fiber 8.20g	29%
Total Sugars 50.80g
Protein 31.90g	64%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 168mg	13%
Iron 6mg	36%
Potassium 896mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.5%

Protein: 16.1%

Carbs: 36.4%