Smoked Whole Chicken with Alabama White Sauce

By Ben · cooked up in Sprig

Pecan smoke and a warm spice rub transform a butterflied whole chicken into something extraordinary. The dry rub creates a mahogany crust while the meat stays impossibly juicy, and the tangy Alabama white sauce cuts through the richness with its bright mayo base spiked with vinegar and horseradish. The kind of barbecue that makes you slow down and savor every smoky bite.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

• 2 cups pecan wood chips

Instructions

1. Spatchcock the chicken by removing the backbone with kitchen shears, then flipping and pressing firmly to flatten completely. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Combine brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, and cayenne in a bowl. Rub chicken all over with olive oil, then coat evenly with spice mixture. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the Alabama white sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and white pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.

1. Preheat smoker to 275°F. Add soaked pecan chips to create steady smoke. If using a gas grill, create indirect heat and add wood chips in a smoker box.
2. Place chicken skin-side up on smoker grates. Smoke for 2.5-3 hours, maintaining temperature between 275-300°F, until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
3. Remove chicken and tent with foil. Let rest for 10 minutes before carving into pieces.

1. Carve chicken into serving pieces and arrange on a platter. Serve immediately with Alabama white sauce on the side for dipping.

Chef's tips

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

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