Smoked Half Chicken from Twin Peaks features tender, perfectly smoked chicken seasoned with a blend of spices, served with crispy skin and a smoky, juicy interior, delivering a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Smoker
- Charcoal or wood chips
- Meat thermometer
- Grill tongs
- Basting brush
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
When preparing your Smoked Half Chicken, ensure that the chicken is halved evenly to promote consistent cooking and smoke penetration. Using a high-quality smoked paprika enhances the smoky flavor, while the combination of garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and dried thyme creates a balanced seasoning blend essential for authentic taste. Olive oil helps the spices adhere and also crisps the skin nicely during smoking. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your desired heat level, but be cautious as it can easily overpower the other flavors. Your homemade Smoked Half Chicken from Twin Peaks copycat menu will be juicy and flavorful when you follow these ingredient tips carefully.
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 250°F using charcoal or wood chips.
- In a mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), and brown sugar.
- Pat the chicken halves dry with paper towels on a cutting board.
- Brush the chicken halves with olive oil using a basting brush.
- Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Place the chicken halves skin-side up on the smoker grate.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding bone).
- Smoke the chicken for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If desired, tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil during the last 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes on a baking tray.
- Slice and serve hot.
Substitution
The Smoked Half Chicken from Twin Peaks copycat delivers a tender, smoky flavor with crispy skin seasoned by a robust spice blend. If you don't have a smoker, you can use a grill with indirect heat and wood chips to mimic the smoking process. In place of a whole chicken halved, bone-in chicken breasts or thighs can be used but expect slightly different cooking times. Your meat thermometer will help ensure the chicken is cooked safely to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC). When applying the spice rub, feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper level to match your preferred heat tolerance.
Tips
Ensure the smoker maintains a consistent temperature of 250degF throughout the cooking process for even smoking and optimal flavor. Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken without touching bone to avoid inaccurate readings. Applying the spice rub under the skin allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, enhancing the smoky aroma and taste. After smoking, resting the chicken for 10 minutes helps retain juices, keeping Your smoked half chicken tender and moist.
Nutritions
Your smoked half chicken provides a rich source of high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The use of olive oil adds healthy monounsaturated fats, while the blend of spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder contributes antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This meal is relatively low in carbohydrates and offers a decent amount of iron and B vitamins crucial for energy metabolism. Smoking the chicken preserves its moisture and flavor without adding extra calories, making it a nutritious and satisfying choice.
Storage
Store your smoked half chicken in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil to maintain its moisture and smoky flavor. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the wood chips used in your smoker to change the flavor profile of the smoked half chicken; hickory or applewood impart distinct smoky nuances. Substitute cayenne pepper with smoked chipotle powder for a deeper smoky heat or omit it to keep the spice mild. To enhance moisture, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and herbs overnight before applying the dry rub. Instead of smoking, finish the chicken on a hot grill for a few minutes skin-side down to get extra crispy skin.
Allergies
Smoked Half Chicken from Twin Peaks contains common allergens like garlic and onion powders, which may trigger sensitivities in some individuals. The use of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper can also pose a risk for those with spice allergies or intolerances. Your allergy concerns should be discussed with the restaurant to ensure safe meal options.
Why this recipe?
The Smoked Half Chicken from Twin Peaks restaurant is beloved for its perfectly balanced smoky flavor and tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. Its signature seasoning blend and slow-smoking process create a rich, savory experience that keeps customers coming back. You can recreate this delicious dish at home by mastering the smoking technique and seasoning, offering a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the cost. Making the copycat version allows you to enjoy the unique taste anytime while impressing friends with your culinary skills.