Applewood Smoked Chicken Recipes

Steps:

• Make the brine: Bring 2 cups water, 3/4 cup salt and the peppercorns to a simmer in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the salt. Let cool, then stir in the apple and lemon juices.
• Cut the backbone out of each chicken using kitchen shears; discard. Trim off any remaining ribs. Place the chickens breast-side up, then firmly press down with your hands to flatten. Trim off any excess skin. Transfer the chickens to a large pot, laying them flat (or use a two-gallon resealable plastic bag). Add the brine, thyme, garlic and 2 cups cold water. (If the chickens are not covered, add 1 to 2 more cups water.) Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight.
• Place a drip pan under the grill grates. Preheat the grill to medium and prepare for indirect cooking: On a gas grill, turn off half the burners; on a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side. Meanwhile, soak the applewood chips in water, 30 minutes; drain. Remove the chickens from the brine and pat dry. Season on both sides with the paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
• When the grill registers 375 degrees F, add the wood chips: On a gas grill, fill a smoke box with half the chips and use according to the manufacturers' instructions; on a charcoal grill, sprinkle half the chips over the coals. Place the chickens breast-side up on the cooler side of the grill, making sure they lie flat. Cover the grill and cook 1 hour, then add the remaining wood chips (if using charcoal, add more coals at this point or as needed so the temperature stays between 325 degrees F and 375 degrees F). Continue grilling until a thermometer inserted into the thighs and breasts registers 165 degrees F and the skin is browned and crisp, 1 to 1 1/2 more hours. Transfer the chickens to a cutting board and let rest at least 15 minutes before carving.

Steps:

• Place flour in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Dust chicken in seasoned flour. Heat oil in skillet.
• Add chicken and cook until cooked through and the juices run clear. Drain off excess oil. Add apples, pecans, brandy, honey, and butter to skillet. Cook until apples are tender and the sauce is reduced. Pour sauce over chicken.

Steps:

• Soak the applewood chips in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Drain before using.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano, ground mustard, and brown sugar.
• Add the chicken drumsticks to a large bowl and pat dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with the dry rub and toss to coat evenly. Set aside while you build the stovetop smoker.
• Line a Dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid with 2-3 sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Spread the drained applewood chips in an even layer in the bottom of the pot and place the steamer basket on top.
• Place the pot over high heat. Once the wood chips start to lightly smoke, add the chicken drumsticks to the steamer basket, place another sheet of foil on top, and cover with the lid. Smoke the chicken over high heat for 8-10 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the chicken to sit in the smoker, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should register between 165-170°F (74-78°C).
• Arrange a rack in the upper third of the oven. Turn the broiler on high. Remove the chicken from the smoker, place on a rimmed baking sheet, and broil for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken has crisped and charred in spots. Serve immediately.
• Enjoy!