Texas-Style Smoked Whole Chicken with Jalapeño Honey Butter

This Texas-inspired smoked whole chicken is infused with smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it a true backyard barbecue favorite. Coated in a bold dry rub, slow-smoked to juicy perfection, and finished with a drizzle of jalapeño honey butter, this chicken is packed with Lone Star State attitude.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
1 Deeply Rooted Ranch Pasture-Raised Whole Chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
2 tbsp coarse kosher salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 tbsp brown sugar

For the Jalapeño Honey Butter:
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp honey
1 jalapeño, finely minced
½ tsp salt
½ tsp smoked paprika

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels.
Coat with olive oil or melted butter to help the rub stick.
In a small bowl, mix together all dry rub ingredients. Generously season the chicken inside and out, rubbing the spices into the skin for maximum flavor.

Set Up the Smoker or Grill:

Preheat your smoker to 275°F using post oak, mesquite, or hickory wood for that signature Texas flavor. If using a charcoal grill, set up for indirect heat and add soaked wood chips for smoke.

Smoke the Chicken:

Place the chicken breast-side up on the smoker or grill.
Smoke for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).

Make the Jalapeño Honey Butter:

While the chicken smokes, combine melted butter, honey, minced jalapeño, salt, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

Glaze and Finish:

In the last 15 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with the jalapeño honey butter to add a sweet, smoky heat and glossy finish.
Rest and Serve:

Remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Serve with extra jalapeño honey butter on the side and enjoy with classic Texas sides like jalapeño cornbread, smoked mac & cheese, or charro beans.

Pro Tip: Spatchcock (butterfly) the chicken before smoking for faster cook time and crispier skin!

Nestled in the heart of Texas Blackland Prairie, Deeply Rooted Ranch is a 120-acre regenerative farm dedicated to producing nutrient-dense food while fostering community engagement and education. Specializing in pasture-raised chicken, lamb, eggs, and seasonal produce, the ranch offers a genuine farm-to-fork experience that emphasizes sustainability and quality. Explore >