Slow-Smoked BBQ Chicken with LD’s Special Spice Blend

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, juicy chicken smoked low and slow, coated in a signature BBQ spice blend and served with a smoky tangy sauce. This bbq & smoked-inspired chicken ready in about 320 minutes pairs whole chicken (about 4 lbs), LD’s BBQ special spice blend, apple wood chips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 300 min Serves 6 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F and soak 2 cups apple wood chips in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), then rub evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp LD’s BBQ special spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, making sure to coat inside the cavity.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken on the smoker grate, add soaked apple wood chips to the smoker box, and smoke for 4 to 5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting with 1 cup barbecue sauce during the last 30 minutes for a sticky glaze.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from the smoker and let rest 15 minutes before carving and serving with extra barbecue sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Smoked BBQ Chicken with LD’s Special Spice Blend take to make?

Total time is about 320 minutes (20 min prep + 300 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Smoked BBQ Chicken with LD’s Special Spice Blend?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole chicken (about 4 lbs) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked BBQ Chicken with LD’s Special Spice Blend?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Smoked BBQ Chicken with LD’s Special Spice Blend for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Smoked BBQ Chicken with LD’s Special Spice Blend?

BBQ & Smoked chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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