The Bonefire from Smokey Bones features tender, smoky smoked chicken glazed with a tangy barbecue sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, served over a bed of seasoned fries for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Equipments
- Smoker
- Grill or oven
- Sauce brush
- Tongs
- Baking sheet or pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Fryer or deep-frying pot
- Mixing bowl
- Slotted spoon or spider
- Serving platter or large plate
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 green onions
- 2 lbs frozen French fries (or fresh potatoes)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Cooking spray (optional, for baking fries)
Using smoked paprika and chili powder creates a deep smoky flavor essential for replicating The Bonefire from Smokey Bones. Fresh green onions should be finely chopped to maintain their crisp, vibrant taste as a garnish. When preparing the chicken, seasoning it thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar enhances the balance between sweetness and spice. Opt for shredded cheddar cheese pre-grated for even melting, or grate block cheese yourself for fresher flavor. Your choice between frozen or fresh fries can affect texture, so adjust cooking times accordingly to achieve crispy results. The Bonefire from Smokey Bones copycat menu delivers the same rich, smoky, and tangy flavors right in your own kitchen.
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 250°F.
- Mix smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Pat chicken dry and rub seasoning mixture all over.
- Place chicken in smoker; smoke for 2.5–3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Preheat oven or grill to 400°F (if crisping chicken skin).
- Brush smoked chicken with barbecue sauce and transfer to grill or oven for 10–15 minutes to caramelize glaze.
- Cook bacon in a pan or oven until crispy; transfer to paper towels and crumble.
- Bake or fry French fries until golden and crispy; season with salt.
- Shred or slice smoked chicken.
- Grate cheddar cheese (if using blocks).
- Slice green onions thinly with a chef’s knife.
- Arrange fries on a serving platter or large plate.
- Layer smoked chicken on top of fries.
- Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over chicken and fries.
- Top with crumbled bacon.
- Scatter sliced green onions over the top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Bonefire from Smokey Bones copycat menu highlights smoky smoked chicken with tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions atop seasoned fries. If you don't have a smoker, use an oven or grill with a smoke box or soaked wood chips to mimic the flavor. Frozen fries can be swapped with fresh homemade fries; just cut potatoes into wedges and either fry or bake them for a crispy texture. For a quicker prep, bacon can be cooked in the microwave or oven instead of on the stovetop. You can adjust the barbecue sauce to suit your preferred spice level or sweetness for a personalized touch to the dish.
Tips
Ensure the whole chicken is thoroughly patted dry before applying the seasoning rub to help the spices adhere better and promote even smoking. Monitor the internal temperature carefully using a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches 165degF, ensuring it's fully cooked and safe to eat. When caramelizing the barbecue glaze, keep an eye on the chicken to avoid burning the sugars, which can happen quickly at 400degF. You can use either frozen or fresh potatoes for the fries, but frying typically yields crispier results compared to baking or air frying.
Nutritions
The Bonefire from Smokey Bones provides a high-protein meal with tender smoked chicken supplying essential amino acids, while the crispy bacon adds fatty acids and sodium. The cheddar cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D, enhancing bone health, whereas the green onions offer antioxidants and vitamins A and C. Seasoned fries deliver carbohydrates for quick energy but can also increase fat content depending on preparation method, such as frying versus baking. Your meal balances flavors and macronutrients but may be high in sodium and fat, so consider portion size and complementary sides for a well-rounded diet.
Storage
Store leftover smoked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its smoky flavor and moisture. Keep any assembled Bonefire dish components separately, especially the fries and cheese, to prevent sogginess and preserve texture. Reheat your portions gently in an oven or air fryer at 350degF until warmed through to retain the crispy bacon and melted cheddar quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a spicier smoky flavor that complements the barbecue sauce. For a healthier variation, bake the French fries with a light coating of cooking spray instead of deep-frying them. Try using gouda or pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar to add a creamy or spicy twist. If you don't have a smoker, marinate the chicken in your spice rub and barbecue sauce overnight, then grill slowly over indirect heat to mimic the smoky taste.
Allergies
The Bonefire contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and potential pork allergens from the bacon. Your meal may also pose a risk if you have sensitivities to spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder. Cross-contamination with gluten or other allergens can occur depending on how the fries are prepared, so inquire with the restaurant if you have specific allergies.
Why this recipe?
Smokey Bones' Bonefire menu is popular for its rich, smoky flavors and expertly grilled meats that offer an authentic barbecue experience. The menu features signature dishes like slow-smoked ribs and flame-grilled chicken, seasoned with a blend of spices that deliver bold taste profiles. You'll find the balance of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors worth replicating at home to impress guests with a genuine Southern-style barbecue. Perfecting a copycat version allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality smoked dishes whenever you crave comfort food with a smoky twist.