Smoked Poultry Recipes That Drip With Juicy Goodness!

Whether smoking turkeys, chicken or game hens, one of these smoked poultry recipes will help you get the results you want. Many of these recipes are cooked at a higher than normal smoker temperature, so if you're in a hurry, poultry is a good choice.

Three Smoked Chicken Breasts on Bed of Green Leaf LettuceSmoked Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

The chicken breasts in the picture you see above were smoked in my Char Broil propane smoker. After brining, they were seasoned with a dry rub containing black pepper, thyme and oregano. Pecan wood chips provided smoke, flavor and that beautiful bronze color.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are one of my favorites for the smoker. Minimal prep time and quick cooking allow you to make a great, smoked main course in an afternoon.

Three Raw, Seasoned, Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts on White PlatterChicken Breasts Ready For The Smoker

Poultry Smoking Tips

Before you fire up the smoker, I’ll share a few nuggets of knowledge that will help you create the best smoked poultry ever.

Three Whole Chickens Being Prepared For Grill SmokingPreparing Three Chickens For Beer Can Chicken Recipe

Brining Works Magic For Smoked Poultry

A brine of salt, sugar, seasonings and water can do wonders with chickens, turkeys and other birds. When brining, liquid is absorbed into the flesh, adding moisture, flavor, and improving the texture. The absorbed water also conducts heat, so the plumped up bird will smoke faster.

Don’t Overcook Your Chickens and Turkeys

While all poultry parts are safely done at 165° F, it can be challenging to smoke turkey and chickens because different parts of the bird might cook at different speeds. Foil placed over the breast partway through smoking will slow its cooking a bit so that the breast and thigh are done at the same time. Remove the bird from the smoker when the temperatures at the main thigh joint and the breast reach 165°. 

Add Seasoning Under The Skin Too

For the best flavor, use dry rubs on both the outside of the skin, and between the skin and flesh of the bird. This gets the seasoning flavor right where it's needed.

Three Browned, Grill Smoked Chickens on a Weber Kettle Grill. Time to Eat!Three Beautiful Grill-Smoked Beer Can Chickens

Smoked Poultry Recipes That Brim With Great Flavor

Here are a few of my favorite smoker recipes for chicken, turkey and Cornish game hens. Hunters will find recipes for geese, ducks and quail. And remember... smoked turkey is not just for Thanksgiving.


Turkey Recipes

Smoked Chicken Breast, Sliced and Served on Blue-Banded PlateSmoked, Sliced and Sauced Chicken Breast

Smoked Cornish Game Hens


Poultry smokes in less time than beef or pork, and makes for a nice change of pace. Try one of these smoked poultry recipes instead of the usual spareribs or brisket next time you pull out the smoker... you'll enjoy it, I'm sure!

These Smoked Poultry Recipes Will Satisfy Your Hunger! Step By Step Instructions Guide You To Perfection!