Smoked Citrus Chicken: A Flavorful and Easy Recipe

If you're a fan of citrusy, smoky flavors, then you're going to love this smoked citrus chicken recipe. It's inspired by the delicious chicken served at El Pollo Loco, but you can make it right in your own backyard. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, and it's easy enough for even novice cooks to master.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Equipment

• Smoker
• Large bowl
• Basting brush

Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a smoker, you can use a grill with a smoker box. You can also use a grill, but you will need to cook the chicken over indirect heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the bowl and make sure it's completely coated in the marinade.
4. Place the chicken in the smoker and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. While the chicken is smoking, you can make a simple sauce to serve with it. Combine 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1/4 cup of soy sauce in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
6. After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
7. Serve the chicken with the sauce, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Smoked Citrus Chicken

• To ensure that the chicken is cooked evenly, make sure that it is placed in the smoker with the breast side up.
• If you are using a grill, make sure to cook the chicken over indirect heat. This means that the chicken should not be placed directly over the flames.
• To keep the chicken moist, baste it with the sauce every 30 minutes.
• If you want a crispier skin, you can broil the chicken for a few minutes after it is cooked.

Variations

• For a spicier chicken, add more cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• For a sweeter chicken, add more honey to the sauce.
• You can also add other citrus fruits to the marinade, such as grapefruit or lime.

Serving Suggestions

This smoked citrus chicken is delicious served with a variety of sides, such as:

• Rice
• Potatoes
• Corn on the cob
• Green beans
• Cole slaw

Enjoy!

This smoked citrus chicken recipe is sure to please everyone at your next barbecue or dinner party. It's delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.