Smoked Spatchcock Chicken with Honey BBQ Rub and Cherry Pellets
Craving a juicy, smoky, and flavorful chicken? This smoked spatchcock chicken recipe, prepared on a Z Grills pellet grill, delivers tender meat, crispy skin, and a sweet-savory kick from a homemade honey BBQ rub. Spatchcocking ensures even cooking and faster smoking, making this dish perfect for BBQs, family dinners, or meal prep. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering pellet grill recipe that’s sure to impress!
Why Spatchcock Chicken?
Spatchcocking involves removing the chicken’s backbone and flattening it, allowing for even heat distribution and crispier skin. Paired with cherry wood pellets and a honey BBQ rub, this method infuses the chicken with a subtle sweetness and rich smoky flavor, ideal for a standout BBQ chicken recipe.
Ingredients
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1 whole chicken (3-5 lbs)
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Honey BBQ rub (enough to coat both sides of the chicken)
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Original BBQ sauce (warmed, for glazing)
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Paper towels (for patting dry)
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Cherry wood pellets (for smoking)
Equipment
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Z Grills Pellet Grill (available at Z Grills)
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Wire rack
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Sharp kitchen shears or knife (for spatchcocking)
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Meat thermometer
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Aluminum foil (for resting)
Instructions
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Spatchcock the Chicken: Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, remove the backbone by cutting along both sides of the spine. Flip the chicken breast-side up and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it. Pat both sides dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
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Season the Chicken: Place the chicken on a wire rack. Season the underside generously with your honey BBQ rub. Flip the chicken skin-side up and apply more rub, coating evenly. Let the chicken sit for 15 minutes to allow the rub to sweat and adhere.
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Preheat the Pellet Grill: Load your Z Grills pellet grill with cherry wood pellets and preheat to 160°F for a low-and-slow smoke to infuse maximum flavor.
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Smoke at Low Heat: Place the chicken skin-side up on the grill grates. Smoke at 160°F for 30 minutes to develop a deep smoky flavor from the cherry pellets.
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Increase Temperature: Raise the grill temperature to 275°F. Continue smoking until the internal temperature of the thickest part (breast or thigh) reaches 155°F, checked with a meat thermometer. This takes approximately 3 hours, depending on chicken size and grill performance.
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Glaze the Chicken: Brush the chicken with warmed original BBQ sauce to prevent cooling the meat. Smoke until the internal temperature hits 165°F, allowing the glaze to caramelize and form a sticky, flavorful crust (about 10-15 minutes).
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Rest and Carve: Remove the chicken from the grill, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes to lock in juices. Carve into pieces and serve hot.
Tips for Success
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Cherry Pellets: Cherry wood imparts a mild, sweet smoke that complements the honey BBQ rub. For a bolder flavor, try hickory pellets.
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Warm BBQ Sauce: Warming the sauce ensures even application and prevents lowering the chicken’s temperature during glazing.
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Crispy Skin: Patting the chicken dry and letting the rub sweat are key to achieving crispy, flavorful skin.
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Longer Cooking Time: The 3-hour cook at 275°F to reach 155°F ensures deep flavor penetration. If your grill runs cooler or the chicken is larger, monitor closely with a meat thermometer.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with grilled veggies, coleslaw, or cornbread for a complete BBQ meal.
Why Use a Z Grills Pellet Grill?
The Z Grills pellet grill excels at maintaining precise temperatures, from the initial 160°F smoke to the 275°F finishing heat, ensuring consistent results over the extended 3-hour cook. Cherry pellets add a distinctive flavor that elevates this smoked spatchcock chicken to gourmet status.
Final Thoughts
This smoked spatchcock chicken with honey BBQ rub and cherry pellets is a showstopper, combining juicy meat, crispy skin, and a sweet-smoky glaze. With your Z Grills pellet grill, you can master this easy pellet grill recipe for any occasion. Try it out and share your results!
Keywords: smoked spatchcock chicken, Z Grills pellet grill, honey BBQ rub, pellet grill recipes, smoked chicken, BBQ chicken recipe, cherry wood pellets, easy smoker recipes, juicy smoked chicken, BBQ tips
Links & Resources:
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Z Grills Pellet Grill
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