Smoked Sweet Chili Chicken

This smoked sweet chili chicken is sure to be a feast for your senses! It’s bold, vibrant, and the perfect balance between sweet and heat! And with my easy, homemade sweet chili marinade, you’ll be surprised how simple, yet impressive, this sweet chili chicken is to make!

I have to say, this is by far one of my favorite smoked chicken recipes! Whilst it does have some heat to it, the sweetness perfectly balances it, so you’re left with a tantalizing combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.

Whether you’re a fan of Asian-inspired cuisine or simply a lover of bold and exciting flavors, my Traeger sweet chili chicken promises to be a feast for your senses. Best of all, it’s perfectly cooked to tender perfection.

So, if you’re planning a backyard barbecue, hosting a family gathering, or looking to add a touch of culinary brilliance to your weeknight dinner, get ready to wow as my smoky sweet chili chicken is guaranteed to steal the show. With its striking blend of bold flavors and vibrant appeal, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression and create unforgettable memories for you and your guests.

What I love about this smoked whole chicken sweet chili recipe, if that you can easily adapt the amount of heat or sweetness in it. If you’re a huge chili fan you can simple add another chili or two, though I would also recommend checking out my smoked chili and lime recipe as this is really brings the heat!

Or if you prefer it to be a little milder you can add less chili. My smoked lemon pepper chicken recipe is also a good option if you like your chicken with just a small amount of heat.

So, if you’re eager to leave your taste buds dancing with joy from the flavor of this Traeger sweet chili chicken, let’s fire up that smoker and get started.

And if you’re looking for another crowd-pleaser recipe, why not try out my Traeger beer can chicken!

Why Make Traeger Sweet Chili Chicken?

For those seeking to elevate their chicken recipes with an explosion of flavor, look no further than the exquisite delight of smoked sweet chili chicken. This remarkable dish takes your culinary experience to new heights, infusing it with a tantalizing twist that sets it apart from a traditional herbed smoked chicken.

What sets smoked sweet chili chicken apart is its exceptional combination of sweet and tangy elements. The infusion of honey imparts a sweet dimension, while the chili’s heat adds a thrilling wow factor. The result is a harmonious fusion of flavors that strikes a perfect balance, leaving you yearning for more with every delectable bite.

When it comes to smoking chicken, I rely on the unrivaled performance of the Traeger smoker. Its user-friendly design and consistent results make it an absolute joy to use. With the Traeger smoker, achieving that perfect smoky essence becomes effortless. It beautifully enhances the sweet and spicy notes of the dish, resulting in an irresistible meal that will make your taste buds dance with unbridled delight.

There are several compelling reasons to make Traeger Sweet Chili Chicken:

Unforgettable Flavor: Traeger Sweet Chili Chicken combines the mouthwatering flavors of smokiness, sweetness, and a hint of spiciness in perfect harmony. The slow-smoking process imparts a unique and rich flavor profile to the chicken, while the sweet chili glaze adds a delightful balance of sweetness and heat. The result is a truly unforgettable taste experience that will have your taste buds singing with joy.

Versatility: Traeger Sweet Chili Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it as the star of a delicious barbecue feast, as a main course for a family dinner, or even sliced and added to sandwiches or wraps. The versatility of this dish allows you to get creative and explore different culinary possibilities.

Easy to Prepare: With Traeger’s exceptional wood pellet grills, preparing the Sweet Chili Chicken becomes a breeze. The precise temperature control and consistent heat distribution of Traeger grills ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection every time. Simply marinate the chicken, fire up the grill, and let the magic happen as the tantalizing aromas fill the air.

Impressive for Entertaining: If you’re hosting a gathering or a special occasion, Traeger Sweet Chili Chicken is sure to impress your guests. The beautiful presentation, combined with the incredible flavors, will make it a showstopper on any menu. Your friends and family will be delighted by the unique and mouthwatering combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.

How Do I Prepare Sweet Chili Chicken?

To begin, I prefer to unpack the chicken over the sink for easy disposal of any excess liquid or packaging. Depending on the chicken’s origin, you may need to remove the neck or giblets from the cavity, as they are unnecessary for this recipe and can be discarded.

Next, gently pat the entire chicken dry with a paper towel. This step helps the rub adhere to the chicken more effectively.

Once the chicken is dry and prepared, I like to apply a layer of honey and lemon juice, which adds a delightful touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the sweet chili flavors. Now it’s time to season the chicken to your desired taste.

Make sure to generously season every nook and cranny, including the cavity, to ensure optimal flavor distribution.

To allow the flavors to meld harmoniously, I highly recommend wrapping the seasoned chicken in a tray and refrigerating it overnight. This essential step ensures deep flavor penetration, resulting in an irresistibly mouthwatering final outcome.

What Marinade Do You Use On Smoked Sweet Chili Chicken?

You can use any off-the shelf sweet chili marinades, personally I like to use my own mix of sweet chili chicken marinade to cover the chicken generously. This marinade has so much texture with an incredible sweet chili zesty flavor.

To make a sweet chili marinade, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here’s the recipe I use to create my own sweet chili marinade:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ fresh chili
• 150ml vinegar
• 50ml Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoons chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon rind

What Are The Best Pellets For Smoker Sweet Chili Chicken

When it comes to choosing the best pellets for smoking sweet chili chicken, you’ll want to consider options that complement the flavors of the dish while adding a touch of smokiness.

My preference is apple pellets because they infuse a delightful sweetness and fruity aroma that perfectly complements the chicken. I find that the flavor they impart is well-balanced, never overpowering, allowing the natural taste of the chicken to shine through.

Here are some pellet choices that work well:

Fruitwood Pellets: Fruitwood pellets, such as apple, cherry, or peach, are excellent choices for sweet chili chicken. They impart a mild, sweet, and fruity smoke flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the chili glaze.

Hickory Pellets: Hickory pellets provide a stronger and bolder smoky flavor, adding a robust element to the sweet chili chicken. Hickory complements the savory aspects of the dish, enhancing its overall depth and complexity.

Pecan Pellets: Pecan pellets offer a delicate and slightly sweet smoke flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the chicken and the sweet chili glaze. They provide a milder alternative to hickory while still infusing the dish with a pleasant nutty aroma.

Maple Pellets: Maple pellets deliver a subtle sweetness with a hint of smokiness, making them a suitable choice for sweet chili chicken. They add a gentle, mellow flavor that complements the sweetness of the glaze without overpowering it.

Ultimately, the choice of pellets will depend on personal preference and the desired intensity of smoke flavor. You can also experiment with different pellet combinations to find your perfect balance of flavors. Regardless of the specific type, ensure that you use high-quality pellets from a reputable brand to achieve the best results.

Ingredients For Smoked Whole Chicken With Sweet Chili

• Whole Chicken (larger than 4.5lb)
• Sweet Chili Marinade

How To Make Traeger Whole Chicken With Sweet Chili Marinade

Rest Your Chicken

Be sure to rest the chicken so that it reaches room temperature before marinading.

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.

Coat The Chicken In Lemon & Honey (Optional)

Pour 50ml of lemon juice into a microwave safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of honey. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds until the honey begins to melt. Stir the lemon and honey together and then baste over the chicken.

Make the Marinade

You will need a saucepan and stove to make this marinade. It may sound like a bit of effort but follow these simple steps, once you have tried it you will save this recipe away to bring out and show off to all friends:

1. Place a saucepan on medium heat and add in the chili and crushed garlic.
2. After 30 seconds on the heat add in the vinegar and honey and combine well. If you like sweet chili with a bit of zest add in ~20ml of lemon juice to the mix.
3. Once at heat and begin to boil add in all of the remaining spices except the brown sugar. Stir and combine well.
4. Once combined add in the brown sugar and keep stirring the mix. The mix will be quite fragrant in the pan. After a couple of minutes when the marinade is consistent and sticky remove from the heat.

Pro Tip – Place the chicken into a container before applying the marinade. This will make it easier to clean up any mess!

Season The Whole Chicken

Using a tablespoon, spread the marinade all over the chicken ensuring adequate and consistent coverage.

Pro Tip: Be sure to cover the legs and wings as these turn out delicious once smoked.

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

• Smoke your chicken for 60 mins/1 hour.
• After the 1 hour, increase the Traeger temperature to 350°F. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
• 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 carve the chicken.

Variations For Traeger Roasted Sweet Chili Chicken

There are several variations you can explore to add your own unique twist to Traeger Roasted Sweet Chili Chicken. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Citrus Infusion: Enhance the citrusy notes by adding additional citrus elements. Consider adding slices of oranges or lemons to the cavity of the chicken before roasting. This will infuse the meat with a bright and tangy flavor. I do this in my smoked orange chicken recipe and the flavors are incredible!

Herbaceous Delight: Add an herbaceous touch by incorporating fresh herbs into the seasoning. Sprinkle a mixture of chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley over the chicken before roasting. The herbs will impart a fragrant aroma and add depth to the overall flavor profile.

Ginger and Garlic Twist: Infuse an Asian-inspired twist by incorporating ginger and garlic into the sweet chili glaze. Grate fresh ginger and minced garlic into the glaze mixture, adding a zingy and aromatic kick to the dish.

Spicy Heat: If you enjoy more heat, consider adding additional chili elements to the glaze or sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes over the chicken before roasting. This will elevate the spiciness and intensify the flavor profile.

Sesame Sesation: Drizzle the finished roasted chicken with a touch of toasted sesame oil and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. This will add a nutty and slightly smoky flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.

Pineapple Paradise: For a tropical twist, grill pineapple slices alongside the chicken and serve them as a side dish. The sweetness of the pineapple will complement the sweet chili flavors and add a refreshing element to the meal.

Remember to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your personal taste preferences, and feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations. Enjoy the process of customizing Traeger Roasted Sweet Chili Chicken to make it truly your own culinary masterpiece.

What To Serve With A BBQ Sweet Chili Chicken

When serving BBQ sweet chili chicken, you’ll want to complement its flavors with a variety of delicious side dishes. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, corn on the cob, or asparagus make excellent accompaniments to BBQ sweet chili chicken. The smoky flavors from the grill will harmonize beautifully with the chicken, and the vibrant colors will add visual appeal to the meal.

Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy coleslaw is a classic choice to serve alongside BBQ chicken. The creamy and tangy dressing of the coleslaw will provide a nice contrast to the sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken.

Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is a perfect complement to BBQ sweet chili chicken. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture pairs well with the smoky and savory chicken.

Grilled Corn Salad: Make a flavorful and colorful salad using grilled corn kernels, cherry tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing. This salad adds a burst of freshness and sweetness to the meal.

Potato Salad: A creamy and tangy potato salad is another classic side dish that goes well with BBQ chicken. You can opt for a traditional mayo-based potato salad or try a tangy vinaigrette-based version with fresh herbs and diced vegetables.

Fresh Salad: Offer a refreshing green salad with a variety of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing. This will provide a light and crisp element to balance out the richness of the BBQ chicken.

Grilled Pineapple: Grilling pineapple slices alongside the chicken adds a touch of tropical sweetness to the meal. The caramelized flavors of the pineapple complement the sweet chili chicken beautifully.

Don’t forget to provide condiments such as extra sweet chili sauce, BBQ sauce, or a spicy dipping sauce for those who prefer added flavor options. With these side dishes, you’ll create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that perfectly complements the BBQ sweet chili chicken.

FAQs On Smoked Whole Sweet-Chili Chicken Recipes

Most Loved Smoker Recipes

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 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 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 Sweet Chili Chicken

My smoked sweet chili chicken is a flavor-packed and mouthwatering dish that combines the best of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. The process of smoking the chicken infuses it with a delectable smokiness while the sweet chili glaze adds a tantalizing sweetness and a touch of heat.

To achieve the best results, consider marinating the chicken beforehand to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a family meal, or looking to impress your guests, smoked sweet chili chicken is a surefire hit.

So, fire up the smoker, embrace the aromatic smoke, and savor every delicious bite of this sensational culinary creation. It’s a dish that will leave your taste buds delighted and your guests asking for more.