Perfectly Smoked Chicken (Juicy & Tender)

Рет қаралды 111,474

Күн бұрын

in this video we smoke some chicken and it comes out AMAZING every time.
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The secret is in the Brine!! So here is a quick brine recipe that is an absolute must if you are going to smoke chicken but consider doing it all the time no matter how you plan on cooking your chicken. You'll Love it!!
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Quick Brine for Chicken Recipe:
3-4 pounds of chicken
2 cups of water
2 cups of ice water
1/4 cup of Salt
2 Tablespoon of sugar
2 tsp cracked black pepper
2 tsp minced garlic
Optional (Aromatics) Mix and match these as you wish depending on what you plan on cooking
1 Bay Leaf
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp rosemary
1 tsp cilantro
1 tsp thyme
1 tsp oregano
Directions:
Boil 2 cups of water and dissolve the salt and sugar. Once dissolved add the rest of your ingredients. Cool your mixture down by adding the rest of your water (Ice Cold). Once the mixture is below 45F add your chicken.
You can place all this in a ziplock bag if you want and refrigerate it or you can leave at room temp. This brines very fast.
Boneless skinless breast or pieces let brine for 30 minutes (room temp) or 1 hour in the fridge
Bone in pieces or whole bird let brine for 2-3 hours at room temp or 4-6 hours in the fridge.
Do not over brine your chicken as this recipe is for a quick brine so if you leave it in the fridge overnight your chicken will be way too salty and mushy...
If you do over brine your chicken, you can soak it in cool clean water for 30 minutes and it will help reduce the saltiness.
After you brine, rinse off your chicken and trim it. Pat it dry with a paper towel and place them in your smoker.
In this smoke I used Apple wood but you can use whatever you want (orange tree, cherry tree, pecan, coffee plant.) Be careful with mesquite and hickory as these woods are very strong and could overpower your chicken. A little goes a long way.
I smoke my chicken at 325F till the internal temp reaches 155F in the fattest part of the chicken. Once it's reached its temp I remove from the smoker and let rest for 5 minutes covered. It is now time to serve and enjoy.
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Eric

Пікірлер: 80

@TOAD7464 2 жыл бұрын

Just built a new smoker and this recipe will be my first Update: added fresh thyme rosemary and sage from the garden just because. Cooked some after 6hr, 24hr and 36hr of soaking, obviously adding more ice as it melts. 6hr wasn't bad but not great. 36 was amazing and everyone who tried it wants the recipe. DO NOT season after this brine if you long soak, there's plenty of flavor. 10/10 would recommend.

@cayenneman08 4 жыл бұрын

A hack I use when smoking chickens is to rub them in mayonnaise. With skin on chicken it will make the skin so that it is easily "bite through" and not rubbery. With skin off, the oil in the mayo helps add a layer of protection on the outside of the chicken so that it doesn't get dry and also helps any dry rubs you might add adhere better.

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

WHAT!!! That's awesome. I'm trying that today!!! Thanks for the hack.

@regalnut86 4 жыл бұрын

@@2guysandacooler Mayo on the chicken is SO GOOD!

@tarrickmerdev2324 4 жыл бұрын

@@2guysandacooler Did you try it? How'd it work out?

@tinapatch7520 4 жыл бұрын

First time EVER smoking chicken breast tenderloins on my new Traeger, and I used your hack! Thanks!

@corwynwarwaruk2141 4 жыл бұрын

This weekend we are working on 200 chickens. Plan is some making sausages... ham, shawarma, butter chicken, & smoke the drumsticks and wings. Looking forward to using this to smoke the thighs!

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

NICE!! That's a bunch of birds. Are you in the food business?

@cooperbybee4308 3 жыл бұрын

I apologize in advance for the following comment. I can't stand youtube commentors that pick at the minutia of a video made by an obvious expert. For example "ah ha! At the two minute and 33 second mark you weren't wearing your safety glasses. " I really don't want to be one of those people. So that being said, you sir know more about sausage and curing and smoking meats than I ever will, and I am incredibly grateful that you take the time and expense to produce, film, edit and release the content that you share. So thank you, seriously my charcuterie skill are getting better thanks to you. BUT, I have heard and read many experts proclaim that dry or fresh herbs are useless in a brine because the particle size of the vegetable matter is just to large for the salt to carry into the cells via osmosis. So I did a little experiment by adding dry herbs to the boiling salt/sugar water to make a tea, allowing it to steep, then strained, chilled before adding meat. This is the way my friend. The tea is easily osmosized into the meat, experts be dammed. Maybe give it a Pepsi challenge if you have time

@mariejabs3025 5 жыл бұрын

Hello, Enjoy the video, the question I have is, can you lightly season the chicken with a rub after the brine to give it some color? Thanks

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Be sparing with the salt as it will be well seasoned from the inside out but some paprika, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, a little sugar and salt. Sure that would be yummy!!

@harrybarker1408 Жыл бұрын

good vid dood!!!

@kristinatidwell6563 4 жыл бұрын

I've seen an electric smoker like that one, idk if it's as good of a smoker as the kind I've used in the past? So thanks for sharing this video. I wanted to ask where to buy a brine bucket? Did you get it at the restaurant supply house? I've seen those in Austin, I'll see if there's one closer to Temple but it's good to know this info. Thanks.

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

Here is where I got mine. They have 2 sizes. www.sausagemaker.com/searchresults.asp?Search=briner&Submit=&Click=108419 I would imagine in Austin there should be plenty of BBQ outfits or a cabelas or Bass Pro shop or something like that. I'm sure they carry the briner.. It's a great little unit..

@mariejabs3025 5 жыл бұрын

Can you use any type sugar in brine like brown sugar or does it have to be white?

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

Yes. Any sugar will work

@nickf1065 3 жыл бұрын

Love this video! I usually smoke whole chickens, sliced in half. Any advice on temps and timing? I usually subscribe to the low and slow methodology. 250-275F x4ish hrs, but next time really want to try 200-225 for as long as it takes. Curious what you’ve done. Thanks!

@Rizzel101 3 жыл бұрын

Yo Nick i did a very good pulled chicken breast a few months back 225° for about 5.5 - 6 hours and man did it turn out great. Make sure you keep it over a cold side and not over direct heat so the breast doesn't dry out on you. I did not brine it but I did use a good dry rub on the breast to keep the moisture in and it was super juicy. Very good alternative to bbq. It was so good and takes half the time a pork butt takes. Fun for a sunday!

@lindasmith4681 3 жыл бұрын

Trying this NOW, literally!

@kevintaylor5715 3 жыл бұрын

How did it go?

@mAKtre47 2 жыл бұрын

Did they come out with smoke flavor? It dosen't even look like they got good smoke on them

@MrHerrea92 4 жыл бұрын

If you want to commercially what sort of preservatives you supposed to be adding on? Thanx

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

Typically nothing but a salt brine is used. You could add cure #1 to the mix if you plan on canning or cooking at extremely low temps.

@salamdo 5 жыл бұрын

Hello Can we grill it after smoking it on bbq ?

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

Absolutely. Just make sure you don't get your chicken temp above 160f. So smoke it for 20 minutes on low heat and finish by grilling it

@russhall4780 4 жыл бұрын

Hey guys, great video! So every time I smoke chicken breasts, the outside comes out really tough and dark. The inside is moist and tender but you have to get through the tough outside. Any suggestions? Thanks

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Russ. Try adding a pan of water to the smoker to increase the humidity. Also if you can cook on indirect heat for short periods your reduce the amount of bark that's formed. 375-400F for 20 minutes or something like that..

@russhall4780 4 жыл бұрын

@@2guysandacooler Thanks!

@scottrawlings612 2 жыл бұрын

@@russhall4780 I like to use a little melted butter as the "binder" for my seasonings and it comes out perfect every time.

@russhall4780 2 жыл бұрын

@@scottrawlings612 Thanks, Scott!

@kristinatidwell6563 4 жыл бұрын

Where did you put the briqettes? I don't see them in the photo.

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

For this smoker the wood goes at the very bottom just above the heating element.

@sungilsong1609 5 жыл бұрын

Hi id like to buy that smoker! What is that smoker name?

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Sungil, That smoker that I'm using is called a "Smokin It " Smoker. I've had mine for about 3 years and absolutely love it!! They make 5 sizes depending on what you can spend or how much space you are looking for. The one I have is a 4D model. Here is their web site: www.smokin-it.com/Smokers-s/5.htm

@coreyculbreath9771 4 жыл бұрын

How would you cook this if you were making pulled chicken? The same way?

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

Her Corey. If I were to make pulled chicken I would do it slightly different. I would brine it like in the video but then I would pan sear it on the stovetop. After a good sear (with a little oil) I'd add a cup or 2 of chicken stock to the pan and cover it and poach the breast for about 6-7 minutes. After that the chicken will be perfect for pulling apart..

@coreyculbreath9771 4 жыл бұрын

2 Guys & A Cooler thank you

@Oddbisket 11 ай бұрын

If I pull chicken I butterfly the entire chook and smoke with skin on

@how611 5 жыл бұрын

the part that i am confused about is how to reach the proper temperature in the smoker ? you just put in your cherry or apple briquetes and when the sensor reads the right temp, just put in the trays? I will research how to get them to the right temp to begin with unless you have something else on that topic. Gerat Video by the way., i am truly inspired to do this but want to add a tray of fish or two if they can be mixed.

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

What a great question. With an electric smoker it's easy. Just input the desired temp and set your meats in it then let it smoke. With a regular grill or smoker it's a little more challenging but most certainly doable. Start your fire on your smoker normal then after the coals are ready add your wood. Presoak your wood in water for a slower burn. Add your trays of meat. You don't need much wood as a little goes a long way. Cherry is great as is apple. Cover your smoker and let it cook. The fish will cook very fast so keep an eye on that so it doesn't dry out. You might even want to add a touch of butter on top of each fish for added bonus. Once the chicken reaches 155f internally at the thickest part it's ready as well. Be sure to brine first and let it rest when you are done.... If you need to borrow a thermometer let me know....

@vasilerobitu 5 жыл бұрын

Search for the snake method for briquets

@wyattmeyer19 3 жыл бұрын

2 cups = 1 pint, 2 pints = 1 quart

@sayyaddixon1789 5 жыл бұрын

What if you have a grill that you can't put the water under the meat ??

@sayyaddixon1789 5 жыл бұрын

🤔

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

All you need to do is make a little space on the grill so that you can add a pot or a heat safe container with water. This increases the humidity in your smoker keeping it from being so dry. For whatever reason my original reply isn't showing up... Weird!!

@user-cu1nb1ob1e 2 жыл бұрын

Can you use this method for an entire chicken?

@donlew8222 2 жыл бұрын

Wait. Smoking is low temps around 225°. 325° is for baking, right???

@PhilsArtDotCom 5 жыл бұрын

Kool. Thanks.

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

Your Welcome!! Thanks for watching

@ag1341 5 жыл бұрын

Did you season the meat after you washed it off?

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

Hello A G. It's not necessary because it was brined but I did lightly season it with some cracked pepper and garlic salt (very lightly though). Thanks for the question. Let me know if you get a chance to try it out. Would love to hear about your experience..

@ag1341 5 жыл бұрын

@@2guysandacooler I'm making it right now. Lol thanks for the reply and I'll let you know. I'm fighting the rain right now.

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

Oh how cool. Keep an eye on the internal temp of the chicken. That's the trick. 155F -158F is your target. Once you hit it take it off the heat and cover so that it can finish cooking and the juices can even out.. I can't wait to hear about it..

@ag1341 5 жыл бұрын

@@2guysandacooler Okay...I may just start cooking my chicken breasts this way all of the time. I normally cook thighs because of the moisture. However, after cooking them this way I'm going to start eating more breasts. Thanks for this recipe.

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

How wonderful. Great to hear.

@christopherranieriranieri9870 3 жыл бұрын

Can you leave the chicken in brine overnight??

@2guysandacooler 3 жыл бұрын

not with this recipe. The salt levels are too high. This is a quick brine only

@christopherranieriranieri9870 3 жыл бұрын

Too late now... we shall see at dinner tonight... lolol

@christopherranieriranieri9870 3 жыл бұрын

Chicken came out DELICIOUS not overly salty at all!!!!

@2guysandacooler 3 жыл бұрын

@@christopherranieriranieri9870 nice!!! That's good to know

@ronniewatson9946 2 жыл бұрын

I still don’t know what temperature you cooked at, and how long. You were very vague on these points.

@2guysandacooler 2 жыл бұрын

No worries. Everything you need to know is in the description box😉

@shawnyb5937 5 жыл бұрын

how many chicken breasts did you put in that smoker?

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

In this video I think I had 28 large chicken breast. This particular smoker can hold 60+ pieces..

@IsaacNewton1966 4 жыл бұрын

I brine for 12hrs

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

Nice!! I bet it comes out super juicy. Are u using less salt than me?

@IsaacNewton1966 4 жыл бұрын

@@2guysandacooler I use 1/2c salt for 20 cups of water.

@bradhendrickson7067 4 жыл бұрын

why do you go with GRAMS for sugar and salt, all the others with NON Metric

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

The salt and sugar are the only ingredients that matter. The rest are completely up to personal taste.

@bradhendrickson7067 4 жыл бұрын

@@2guysandacooler I'm gonna give this a whirl today!

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

Let me know how it turns out for you. We just smoked 50 pounds last weekend and it came out great😁😁

@bradhendrickson7067 4 жыл бұрын

@@2guysandacooler Turned out GREAT! I really enjoyed it

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

@@bradhendrickson7067 😁😁😁🤤🤤

@troyholley6231 3 жыл бұрын

350 till up to 150 then what

@2guysandacooler 3 жыл бұрын

then take the chicken out and let it rest for 5 minutes

@Aishasdiary302 2 жыл бұрын

@@2guysandacooler hi there you meant we take the temp upto 350 and when the chicken internal temperature is 165F we take it out right ? we cover in aluminuim foil after smoking and not during the process

@mihaipetrisor1 5 жыл бұрын

it's rawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww :) i like your videos a lot, but that chicken is rawwwwwwwwwwwwwwww.

@2guysandacooler 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. It certainly looks like they are raw, Right!!! Especially that last picture. Maybe it's the lighting but I can assure you that the centers were 165f. You should see some of the sous vide chicken we cook. At 143.5 f you would think the bird is still clucking. :-) Thanks again.

@tinovanderzwanphonocave544 4 жыл бұрын

pffff! all those ingredients! smoked whole chicken and chicken breast in the Netherlands just salt and just smoke! that's all! why mask all the nice chicken flavors with powerful rubs? I had Ceasar salads with either over-seasoned chicken or no seasoning boiled chicken both were underwhelming just smoke your chicken straight or add pepper and garlic to the already salted chicken aka I want to taste chicken!

@2guysandacooler 4 жыл бұрын

You should try it before you speak so negatively about it 😁