New To smoking Needs tips here in the UK

[jknrich]

Hello all, I have been searching the wonder that is Google and have come across this website. 

I am on a course to change my Parents taste buds about smoked chicken, but need advice. 

We have a coal bbq/smoker 3 stack thing. I am picking up some Applewood Chips for the smoking. I just need some sound advice what to do and how to go about smoking. 

I have herd I should brine the bird first is this true. 

The chicken will be about 5lb in weight how long should I cook/smoke for. 

Should I spatchcock it. 

Anything else I have missed please add

Thanks 

 

[yotzee]

 
Hello all, I have been searching the wonder that is Google and have come across this website.

I am on a course to change my Parents taste buds about smoked chicken, but need advice.

We have a coal bbq/smoker 3 stack thing. I am picking up some Applewood Chips for the smoking. I just need some sound advice what to do and how to go about smoking.

I have herd I should brine the bird first is this true.

The chicken will be about 5lb in weight how long should I cook/smoke for.

Should I spatchcock it.

Anything else I have missed please add

Thanks

I don't really notice a whole lot of benefit with brining.  Try a dry brine, it will help crisp the skin

I like to spatchcock my birds.  Seem to cook better.

Have you used your smoker before?  The good thing about chickens is they don't need to be cooked low and slow so temp control is not an issue.  I would cook them at about 300 degrees.