Tuscan Rosemary-Smoked Whole Chickens Recipe

Name: Tuscan Rosemary-Smoked Whole Chickens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup kosher salt; 1/4 cup clover honey; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons black peppercorns; 8 large sprigs fresh rosemary; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 4 cups ice cubes; One 4-pound chicken, excess fat trimmed; Canola oil; Freshly ground black pepper; Special equipment: Pecan wood chips and 8 sprigs fresh rosemary, soaked in water for 2 hours

Servings: persons

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup clover honey
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
8 large sprigs fresh rosemary
4 cloves garlic, smashed
4 cups ice cubes
One 4-pound chicken, excess fat trimmed
Canola oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Special equipment: Pecan wood chips and 8 sprigs fresh rosemary, soaked in water for 2 hours

1
For the brine, bring 6 cups water to a boil in a large saucepan.
2
Add the broth, salt, honey, sugar, peppercorns, rosemary and garlic, stirring to dissolve the salt.
3
Remove from the heat and add the ice cubes to cool quickly to room temperature.
4
Place the chicken in the bucket, breast-side down, cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
5
Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse well with cold water.
6
Pat dry, place on a baking rack and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
7
This will allow the skin to dry out which will produce a crisper skin while cooking.
8
Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F and up to 325 degrees F if your smoker can do it.
9
Add the soaked wood chips and rosemary sprigs.
10
Brush the entire chicken with canola oil and sprinkle with pepper.
11
Put the chicken in the smoker and place a drip pan underneath.
12
Smoke until the breast temperature reaches 160 degrees F and the thigh reaches 170 degrees F, depending on the size of the chicken, 1 1/2 to 3 hours.

540

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave for a slightly different but equally rich sweetness.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1/2 cup kosher salt, 1/4 cup clover honey, 2 tablespoons sugar, and more.

Yes, Tuscan Rosemary-Smoked Whole Chickens falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Tuscan Rosemary-Smoked Whole Chickens

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions