When people think of barbeque, they think of summer events, grills, or food styles. In the latter category, the meats we most associate with it are pork, like shredded barbeque, or beef, like brisket. But what about smoked chicken? 

While barbecue chicken doesn’t have the regional specialty cred of Texas beef brisket or Carolina pork barbecue, chicken is a versatile meat that smoking brings out the best in. So, let’s take a few paragraphs to celebrate the unsung barbeque hero that is smoked chicken!

Smoking Chicken

“Smoking chicken” is more than what Gonzo the Great looks for in a romantic partner. When done right, it’s a way to bring out the best in the chicken’s natural flavor while also adding that smoky flavor we all love so much. 

Chicken is a great meat to smoke, and for many of the same reasons, it’s the unofficial meat of dinners across the country. Do an informal survey of your friends to find out what their last weeknight dinner was, and there’s a decent chance it was chicken. And here’s why:

Size

Unlike beef and pork, chicken is compact. It’s easy to store. It’s big enough to feed most families of four but small enough that if you’re cooking for one or two, the leftovers are manageable. 

More importantly, the size makes cooking it a breeze. Whereas pork shoulder and beef brisket take a time (and smoker space) commitment (we smoke ours for at least 10 hours), chicken can be completed relatively quickly, in about half that time, depending on its size. 

Its size also means chicken can be cooked in the smallest of cookers.

Versatility

Here’s another nice thing about chicken – you can do a lot with it. 

Beyond the different cooking methods, chicken inherently comes with different flavors – light and dark meat. For the picky eater, white meat has a bit less flavor, and for the culinarian amongst us, dark meat brings the deep. 

For a sophisticated meal, you can serve your chicken sliced or deboned, but for a casual gathering, nothing beats chicken wings!

Tastiness

Let’s not ignore chicken’s primary appeal. It’s tasty! 

You can fry, braise, broil, roast, rotisserie, saute, and, of course, smoke it and come up with something delicious. Chicken’s primary danger is overcooking it. But as long you check the temperature, you almost can’t go wrong. 

Our Smoked Chicken Options

We have the tastiness and versatility of smoked chicken on full display on Due South’s menu. Whether you want a snack, a meal for one, or a family feast, we have you covered. 

Half Smoked Chicken

Our half-a-smoked chicken is a hearty meal for most appetites, but feel free to make it a combo with any of our premium sides when you’re feeling extra hungry.

Whole Smoked Chicken

A whole smoked chicken will feed a family or a very hungry individual with leftovers. Combine with ribs and sides for a large family feast at your next gathering.

Smoked Chicken Salad

Maybe you’re not feeling bones today, or you’re just watching your figure. Or perhaps you’re one of those people who can’t look at a bottle of barbecue sauce without staining your shirt. Our smoked chicken salad is a great everyday lunch option. We serve it by the sandwich or container, and it’s a favorite among barbecue and sandwich lovers alike!

No Smoke? Tenders!

Finally, the pickiest eaters have a place at the table too. So, for those of you (or your kids) who like their meat plain and/or fried, we have chicken tenders for the simpler palette. 

Come On By!

We don’t know about you, but all this chicken talk is making us hungry! So, if you’re in the mood for some tasty smoked chicken or any of our delicious mains and sides, come down to Due South or get delivery. Don’t forget to order another sauce.