This Smoked Whole Chicken Feeds a Crowd for Under $10
You can feed 6 to 8 people with one whole chicken, and a good bird costs less than a fast-food combo meal. This version stretches it with an easy method.
The Math (approximate):
| Item | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken (5 lb) | $6-8 |
| Rub and oil (pantry) | ~$1 |
| Wood chips/chunks (small amount) | ~$1 |
| Total | Under $10 |
(Prices vary by store, so check your local sales.)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 whole chicken, 5 to 6 pounds
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons BBQ rub
- 1 lemon and 1 onion (optional, for the cavity)
How to Make It:
- Pat the chicken dry. Rub with oil and season inside and out.
- Stuff the cavity with the lemon and onion, which adds moisture and aroma.
- Smoke at 300°F for about 2 to 2½ hours, until the breast hits 165°F and the thigh hits 175°F.
- Rest 15 minutes, then carve.
How to Stretch It:
- Serve it pulled on buns with slaw and Alabama white sauce.
- Pair it with cheap, filling sides: beans, cornbread, potato salad.
- Boil the carcass for stock and use the leftovers for chicken salad.
