Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, smoky chicken infused with the rich tang of red wine vinegar—it's a culinary experience that elevates any meal! This Red Wine Vinegar Smoked Chicken recipe is not just your average roast; it promises to tantalize your taste buds with a perfect balance of flavors that will leave your guests begging for more. With just a little prep time and a smoker, you can transform a simple whole chicken into a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- whole chicken
- red wine vinegar
- smoked paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather a whole chicken, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure your chicken is fully thawed if it was previously frozen.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined to create a marinade.
- Place the whole chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F (120°C). If you do not have a smoker, you can use a grill set up for indirect cooking.
- Once the smoker is ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Place the chicken on the smoker grates breast side up. Close the lid and smoke the chicken for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- During the smoking process, you can occasionally baste the chicken with additional olive oil or a mixture of olive oil and red wine vinegar to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
- After resting, carve the chicken into serving pieces. Serve it warm with your choice of sides, such as grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes.
- Enjoy your delicious Red Wine Vinegar Smoked Chicken!
Tips
- Marinate Overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the spices and vinegar to deeply penetrate the meat, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Experiment with Wood Chips: If you're using a smoker, try different types of wood chips like hickory or applewood to add a unique flavor profile to your chicken.
- Baste for Moisture: During the smoking process, baste the chicken with a mixture of olive oil and red wine vinegar every 20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist and enhances its flavor.
- Rest Before Carving: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after smoking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
- Pair with Sides: Serve your smoked chicken with complementary sides like grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
