Smoked Lemon Chicken Recipe

This simple, yet delicious smoked lemon chicken is going to give your next get together that wow factor! A symphony of smoky sophistication and citrusy zest, you’re going to want to add this smoked whole chicken with lemon to your list of regular cook ups!

Seriously, this lemon smoked chicken recipe produces a perfectly tender, juicy chicken infused with a burst of citrusy goodness that perfectly complements the rich smokiness that you only get from smoking your meat.

Whether you serve it as the perfect holiday centerpiece or make it for a delicious weekend lunch – this lemon smoked chicken is a sure winner!

No matter which way you serve it, I think it’s going to be your new favorite smoked chicken recipe … and to make sure you get the best smoked chicken with lemon possible, I’ve included lots of tips and tricks to help you with your cook!

Now, this might seem complicated, especially as I like to use a chicken throne with this recipe, but honestly this is one of the easiest smoker recipes you can make!

If you’ve made a Traeger beer can chicken before, then you’ll probably find using a chicken throne much easier, I know I did. And if you don’t have a chicken throne, then don’t stress, you can simply stuff the chicken cavity with lemons, similar to my Traeger smoked orange chicken.

Other than that, it’s literally just a case of preparing your chicken with your lemon zest and seasoning, then smoking it in your smoker until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

So, if you’re ready to advance your chicken game and experience the delicious taste of Traeger lemon chicken, let’s fire up that smoker and get started.

And if you’re looking for a slight twist, why not try my smoked lemon pepper chicken recipe next!

Why Make Traeger Lemon Chicken?

If you’re looking to add a delightful twist to your chicken dishes, smoked lemon chicken is the perfect choice.

Firstly it is a delicious way to add a sweet and tangy flavor to your chicken dish, making it stand out from your traditional herbed smoked chicken.

The addition of lemon juice and zest provides a fresh, citrusy taste that complements the chicken well.

When cooked on a Traeger grill, the lemon chicken will also have a smoky flavor that combines perfectly with the sweet and tangy lemon flavor, resulting in a mouthwatering meal.

Here are some more compelling reasons why you should make smoked lemon chicken:

• Irresistible Smoky Aroma: Smoking chicken infuses it with a mouthwatering aroma that is simply irresistible. The combination of smoldering wood chips and the tantalizing scent of grilling chicken creates an ambiance that will have your senses fully engaged and your guests eagerly awaiting their meal.
• Enhanced Flavor Profile: Smoking chicken elevates its flavor to new heights. The slow cooking process allows the smoky flavors to permeate the meat, resulting in a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve with other cooking methods. The combination of smokiness with the tangy brightness of lemons adds a unique and delicious dimension to the taste profile, making every bite a burst of savory and citrusy delight.
• Tender and Juicy Texture: Smoking chicken helps retain its natural moisture, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy meat. The low and slow cooking method breaks down the connective tissues, ensuring that each bite is succulent and full of flavor. The result is a chicken that practically melts in your mouth, leaving you craving more.
• Versatile and Customizable: Smoked lemon chicken is highly versatile and lends itself to a variety of flavor combinations. You can experiment with different smoker pellets, such as hickory, mesquite, or fruitwoods, to impart distinct smoky notes. Additionally, you can play with various marinades, rubs, or glazes to personalize the flavor profile according to your preferences, making each batch of smoked lemon chicken a unique culinary creation.
• Impressive Presentation: Smoked lemon chicken not only tantalizes the taste buds but also makes a visually stunning presentation. The golden-brown, slightly charred exterior of the chicken, combined with the vibrant zest of lemons, creates an eye-catching centerpiece that will impress your guests. It’s a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also pleases the eyes.

How Do I Prepare A Lemon Chicken?

To begin, I prefer to pat the whole chicken dry, ensuring that I unpack it in the sink to easily clean any excess juice or packaging. Depending on where you acquired the chicken, you may need to remove the neck or packet of giblets from the cavity, which can be discarded as they are not necessary for this recipe.

Once the chicken is dry and prepared, it’s time to season it to your liking. Make sure to season all the grooves and the cavity for maximum flavor. For added citrusy goodness, I fill my chicken throne with a mixture of lemon and water (though it is important to note that this step is not needed till you are ready to add the chicken to the smoker).

Alternatively, if you do not have a chicken throne, stuff the chicken cavity with quartered lemons and place a few lemon slices under each leg to enhance the presentation.

To allow the flavors to meld together, I suggest wrapping the chicken in a tray and refrigerating it overnight. This step ensures that the flavors infuse deeply into the meat, resulting in a more delicious outcome.

What Rubs Or Seasoning Do You Use On Lemon Chicken?

You can use any off-the shelf chicken rubs, personally I like to use my own smoker chicken rub recipe to cover the chicken generously and then add on some grated lemon zest. This adds texture to the already incredible zesty flavor.

What Are The Best Pellets For Smoker Lemon Chicken

When it comes to choosing the best pellet flavors for your lemon chicken, there are numerous options to consider.

Like with most chicken dishes, my personal preference is apple pellets. I prefer apple pellets as they impart a sweet and fruity flavor that pairs well with chicken. They are not too overpowering, so you get a great balanced taste.

However, when it comes to selecting the best pellets for smoking lemon chicken, there are a few options that can complement the flavors beautifully. Here are some pellet choices that work exceptionally well:

Fruitwood Pellets: Fruitwood pellets, such as apple or cherry, are popular choices for smoking chicken. They impart a mild and slightly sweet flavor that pairs harmoniously with the bright and tangy notes of lemon. The subtle fruitiness adds a delightful undertone to the smokiness, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken.

Pecan Pellets: Pecan pellets offer a rich and nutty flavor that can enhance the complexity of your smoked lemon chicken. The slightly sweet and earthy undertones of pecan pellets pair well with the zesty lemon, creating a delicious balance of flavors.

Oak Pellets: Oak pellets provide a robust and smoky flavor profile that works wonderfully with chicken. The strong smoke flavor adds depth to the lemony tang, resulting in a bold and flavorful combination. Oak pellets are particularly great if you prefer a more pronounced smoky taste in your dish.

Mesquite Pellets: If you enjoy a strong and assertive smoky flavor, mesquite pellets are an excellent choice. They infuse the chicken with a distinctive smokiness that can stand up to the vibrant flavors of lemon. However, since mesquite can be intense, it’s recommended to use it sparingly or blend it with milder pellets for a balanced result.

Ultimately, the choice of pellets depends on your personal preferences and desired flavor profile. You can also experiment with different pellet combinations to create a unique blend that perfectly complements your smoked lemon chicken. Whichever pellets you choose, ensure they are of high quality to achieve the best results in terms of flavor and performance.

Ingredients For Smoked Whole Chicken With Lemon

• Whole Chicken (larger than 4.5lb)
• Roast Chicken Rub
• Whole Fresh Lemon
• Chicken Throne

How To Make Traeger Whole Chicken With Lemon

Prepare The Whole Chicken

Pat dry the chicken with a paper towel.

Pro Tip: Just lightly and patting it dry with a paper towel allows better friction for the dry rub to take hold.

Season The Whole Chicken

Season the chicken generously with the seasoning. Be sure to rub the seasoning into all the grooves and spaces between the wings and legs of the chicken. Sprinkle the lemon zest over the top of the chicken rub evenly across the chicken.

Pro Tip: Be sure to grate the outside of 1 lemon with a fine grater to collect the zest. Sprinkle this zest over the chicken for a generous and tasty flavor.

Fill Your Chicken Throne Or Fill The Cavity With Lemons

For this recipe I prefer to use a chicken throne as I feel it produces a moister chicken as the lemon water will steam through the chicken as it is cooking. However, if you do not have a chicken throne you can easily fill the chicken cavity with lemons which will still provide that great zesty flavor.

If you’re using a chicken throne, juice your already zested lemon. Pour the lemon juice into the cup of the chicken throne and add water until filled. If you’re looking for extra lemon flavor you can just use all lemon juice. When ready add the cap to the cup and place your chicken on the throne.

Pro Tip: You can use the base of your chicken throne to smoke additional vegetables which looks incredible when presented as a table centrepiece.

If you are not using a chicken throne, cut the lemon into quarters and/or eighths. Start with the lemon that you have already zested. Use the lemon quarters to stuff the cavity of the chicken. Once the quarters are in there push in some of the eighths of lemon to ensure that it is a nice tight fit. Place a lemon quarter on each of the legs as this will add that wow factor to the presentation. Wrap the chicken either in a container, foil tin or cling wrap and allow it to rest.

Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for at least an hour. I like to rest it overnight wrapped and placed in the refrigerator. If you are using a chicken throne, rest the chicken without the chicken throne in place. Add the throne right before you add it to the smoker.

Pre-Heat Your Traeger Grill

When ready to cook preheat the grill to 200°F with super smoke on.

Tip: Ensure that the grills are placed such that there is plenty of room for the chicken, I like to remove the top shelf of my Ironwood850 to make it easier to access the chicken.

Place Your Chicken Into The Grill

Place the chicken directly on the grill.

Insert the smoker/BBQ thermometer probe into the breast of the chicken, trying to position the probe in the thickest section of breast.

Ensure the other end of your smoker/BBQ thermometer is connected to your Traeger (or thermometer and turned on).

Pro Tip: You can cook the chicken in an oven safe container to make transferring the chicken easier, but this will take away some of that smoky flavor.

Smoke

1. Smoke your chicken for 60 mins/1 hour.
2. After the 1 hour, increase the Traeger temperature to 350°F. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
3. Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F, increase your Traeger temperature to 450°F until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Pro Tip: Increasing the temperature for the last ~20 minutes will give the skin that lovely color and crispy texture.

Rest The Chicken

Once cooked remove the chicken from the grill and wrap in foil for an hour.

Carve

Once rested you can remove the lemon quarters from the cavity and carve the chicken.

Variations For Traeger Roasted Lemon Chicken

When it comes to Traeger roasted lemon chicken, there are numerous variations you can explore to add exciting twists to this classic dish. Here are a few ideas to get your culinary creativity flowing:

• Herb Infusion: Enhance the aromatic profile of your roasted lemon chicken by infusing it with fragrant herbs. Stuff the cavity with a combination of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage before roasting. This infusion will impart a delightful herbal essence to the chicken, complementing the zesty flavors of lemon.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a spicy twist to your roasted lemon chicken. Create a marinade or rub using a blend of spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes. The heat from these spices will add a fiery element that pairs surprisingly well with the tangy notes of lemon. You might even want to try my smoked sweet chili chicken recipe too!
• Garlic Lover’s Delight: For those who adore garlic, bring its robust flavor to your roasted lemon chicken. Slice whole garlic cloves and tuck them under the skin of the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld during the roasting process. The roasted garlic will infuse the meat with a rich, savory essence that complements the brightness of lemon beautifully.
• Mediterranean Twist: Give your roasted lemon chicken a Mediterranean flair by incorporating flavors like oregano, lemon zest, and olive oil. Create a marinade using these ingredients along with some crushed garlic and a hint of smoked paprika. This variation will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean with its vibrant and tangy combination.
• Honey Glazed: Add a touch of sweetness to your roasted lemon chicken by glazing it with a honey-based sauce. Whisk together honey, lemon juice, a splash of soy sauce, and a pinch of ginger or cinnamon. Brush the glaze onto the chicken during the last few minutes of roasting to create a caramelized and tangy coating that perfectly balances the flavors.

Feel free to mix and match these variations or create your own unique twist on Traeger roasted lemon chicken. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize the dish to suit your taste preferences and culinary imagination. Enjoy the journey of culinary exploration and savor the delicious results!

What To Serve With A BBQ Lemon Chicken

When serving BBQ lemon chicken, it’s important to choose complementary side dishes that enhance and balance the flavors of the main dish. Here are some delectable options to consider:

• Grilled Vegetables: Take advantage of the grill and prepare a medley of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus. The smoky charred flavors of the vegetables pair wonderfully with the citrusy tang of the lemon chicken.
• Summer Salad: A refreshing summer salad is a perfect accompaniment to BBQ lemon chicken. Consider a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The light and crisp flavors of the salad will complement the richness of the chicken.
• Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme are a classic choice. The earthy flavors of the herbs harmonize well with the lemony notes of the chicken.
• Couscous or Quinoa Salad: Prepare a flavorful couscous or quinoa salad with ingredients like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, fresh herbs, and a citrusy dressing. This light and nutritious side dish will provide a delightful contrast to the smoky flavors of the chicken.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob brushed with butter and sprinkled with spices like chili powder or paprika is a fantastic choice. The sweetness of the corn balances the tangy flavors of the chicken, creating a harmonious combination.
• Creamy Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw with a tangy dressing is a classic BBQ side dish that complements the flavors of lemon chicken. The creaminess and slight tanginess of the coleslaw add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser. It pairs well with BBQ lemon chicken and can be used to soak up any delicious juices from the chicken.

Remember to consider your guests’ dietary preferences and any specific flavor profiles you want to highlight. With these side dish options, you can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that perfectly complements your smoked lemon chicken.

FAQs On Smoked Whole Lemon Chicken Recipes

Most Loved Smoker Recipes

Smoked Lemon Herb Chicken – This smoked lemon herb chicken is full of flavor! It’s the perfect symphony of herbs, delicately infused with the gentle kiss of lemon.

Smoked Chili Lime Chicken Recipe – This smoked chili lime chicken is a must for all the chili fans out there! With each bite, you’ll experience a harmonious balance of savory, spicy, and citrusy notes that will leave you craving more.

Smoked Rosemary Chicken Recipe – This twist on a classic roast chicken is one of my most loved whole smoked chicken recipes and a staple in our house!

Smoked Coffee Rubbed Chicken Recipe – This recipe combines the rich, smoky flavor of smoked chicken with the unique taste of coffee.

Traeger Smoked Brisket – This recipe is perfect if you’re looking for an easy smoked brisket recipe that delivers a moist and tender brisket time after time!

Traeger Pork Butt – Picture a succulent, smoky pork butt slow-cooked to perfection on a Traeger grill. Tender, juicy meat infused with Traeger’s signature wood pellet flavors that simply melts in your mouth.

Final Thoughts On Smoked Lemon Chicken

I am confident that my Traeger lemon chicken recipe will be a crowd-pleaser among your family and friends! Not only does it look impressive, but it tastes incredible!

And if you don’t have lemons, feel free to substitute them with other citrus fruits such as oranges or limes.

With this Traeger citrus chicken recipe, you can be sure to delight everyone with a flavorful and satisfying meal!