Cathy L.
I believe that chicken is one of the finest things in the world to smoke. I think it is also the very bestestes learning medium. Excellent food, excellent price, easily adaptable.
I would humbly suggest that if its the first chicken smoke, you leave all that extra stuff on the table. You don't need it. Its like brining a fried drumstick, or rubbing a hot wing. If you go first with the bare minimum you'll be able to know exactly what all these other methods and spices and herbs and smokes will do to the flavor. I promise you it will be delicious also.
Cut an apple up into 8 slices, stuff it, rub it down with "Kitchen Bouquet" (gravy and saucing mix) sprinkle with salt and pepper. Nothing else. Smoke it.
1. Apple adds a very slight nice aromatic quality
2. Kitchen Bouquet hold the salt and pepper on as well as smooths out the color (you'll swear by it once tried).
3. Salt & Pepper because we have become so accustom to the taste we don't know what to do with out 'em.
Then once you establish a good base line for comparison, try all the other ideas, brining, injecting, marinating, compound butters, herbs, spices and veggies.
Just throwing a chicken on the smoker is one of my greatest "I have nothing planned" joys.
I have done 'em at 300 and at 220 (my norm), 275 to 300 crisps skin, but a large fowl (5lbs +) although juicy maybe a bit tuff in the breast. 220 takes a bit longer, I start out high then after 30 to 45 mins drop back down and just as juicy. Pull at 165 IT, and don't forget the rest time of 30 to 45 mins. it makes a huge difference.
Don't over smoke, lightly smoke the bird with a light wood. Smokes like Hickory and Mesquite must be used very moderately, fruit and nut woods are usually good bets. Pecan is still my favorite. But remember, you have never heard anyone that couldn;t eat food that had too little smoke, have you? Start small/light so you can establish the taste. I always gently smoked for my Mom, she didn't like a hard smoke taste....... Pop said its acquired...LOL
Patience...... Patience....... Ok, one more time, Patience......
Don't forget about that dedicated notebook you have and take notes so next time you'll have a map of where to start and what to change. If you don't have a form, he's some to look at.
http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/attachments/3
Now after all that you are gonna laugh at me, remember the most important part is have fun, relax, enjoy the smoke. So..... that's have fun, take notes, have patience, and start with the basics and light smoke. LOL..... You'll be fine. Its why we all love chickens so much.
Its always a beautiful day when you smoke, so enjoy the smoke!