If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a whole chicken, look no further than the Ninja Woodfire Grill. This innovative electric smoker is designed to infuse your food with the rich and smoky flavors of woodfire, giving you a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal every time. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of smoking a whole chicken on the Ninja Woodfire Grill, from preparation to serving. Let's get started!
Why Smoke a Whole Chicken?
Smoking a whole chicken is not only delicious, but it's also a smart way to save money. Whole chickens are typically less expensive per pound than purchasing individual parts, making them a budget-friendly option for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. Plus, after you smoke the chicken, you can use the bones to make homemade chicken broth, adding even more value to your meal.
Homemade Smoked Chicken Broth: After you've picked all the cooked chicken from the bones, place the bones in a pot. Add half an onion, 2 diced celery stalks, 2 diced carrots, and a bay leaf. Cover it with water, add a lid, and let it simmer for a couple of hours. Add salt and pepper to taste. Strain the liquid and save it for any recipe that uses chicken stock, like a comforting Roasted Butternut Squash Soup.
The Best Way to Smoke Chicken
The challenge with smoking chicken is finding the right balance between tender meat and crispy skin. After years of experience, we've found that the best way to smoke a whole chicken is to cook it at 375F degrees over indirect heat. The Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill is perfect for this, as it releases plenty of woodfire flavor into the grill throughout the cooking process.
Ingredients:
- Whole Chicken: You'll find this in the poultry section of your grocery store.
- Poultry Rub: Use your favorite poultry seasoning blend or dry rub.
How to Smoke Whole Chicken on a Ninja Woodfire Grill
Step 1: Start by removing the whole chicken from the packaging. Remove any organs or the neck from the cavity. Pat the chicken dry and rub the poultry seasoning over the entire chicken. For a beautiful presentation, place the chicken breast-up, tuck the wings under the bird, and tie together the chicken legs with butcher's twine.
Step 2: Fill the smoke box on the Ninja Woodfire Grill with wood pellets. Set the grill to smoker mode, the temperature to 375F degrees, and the time to 1 hour.
Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken on the grill with the breast side facing up. Close the hood and let the chicken smoke. The skin will start to get nice and crispy. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165F degrees. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
How to Serve Smoked Whole Chicken
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender chicken. Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken, starting with the leg quarters and wings. Separate the legs from the chicken thighs and carve the breast meat into slices.
Smoked whole chicken is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with your favorite BBQ sauce or Alabama White Sauce for an extra kick of flavor. Pair it with Grilled Carrots, Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, Baked Potatoes, or Garlic Green Beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and
If you have any leftover smoked chicken, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The skin may lose its crispiness, but you can reheat it in the Ninja Woodfire Grill on the air crisp setting to bring back some of the crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long does it take to smoke a whole chicken? The cook time will depend on the size of your chicken. A 4-5-pound chicken will take about 45 minutes to smoke at 375F degrees, while a 6-7-pound bird will take about an hour.
- At what temperature is smoked whole chicken done? According to the USDA, poultry is safe to eat when it's cooked to 165F degrees.
- Is smoked whole chicken healthy? Absolutely! Smoked whole chicken is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy protein option. If you want to save even more calories, just eat the meat and discard the skin.
- What is the best temperature to smoke a whole chicken? We recommend smoking a whole chicken at 375F degrees to ensure juicy meat and crispy skin.
- Can I make this recipe on a pellet smoker? Yes, you can! Follow the same recipe and place the chicken on your pellet smoker at 375F degrees. For more smoky flavor, add a foil pouch with wood chips to the grill.
- What type of wood is best for smoked chicken? Hickory wood, pecan wood, cherry wood, and apple wood are all excellent choices for smoking chicken.
Now that you know how to smoke a whole chicken on the Ninja Woodfire Grill, it's time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Enjoy the delicious flavors of woodfire and impress your family and friends with this easy and tasty recipe. Happy grilling!
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