Smoking a chicken

[Momto3munsters]

I am new to the smoking world, I am going to try doing a chicken today, do you need to brine the bird before smoking?

[Ka Honu]

Most folks I know pretty much brine all poultry that will be "dry-cooked" (smoked, roasted, grilled, etc.).

[Grouperman941]

But you don't 'need' to. I don't usually brine whole chickens.

I do think most people do. Juicier, and you can add lots of flavor.

[chiroken]

I did a 12lb, yes 12lb, organic chicken without brining. Used one of those upright cone/funnel things that keeps the chicken upright. Cooked with skin on spiced, and smoked. I believe I used 2 racks together for the weight.
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[SiFumar]

I don't brine often.....when I do, most like it. 

[CLAREGO]

spatchcock for even heat /smoke distribution

[ACW3]

spatchcock for even heat /smoke distribution

I find that when I spatchcock a chicken or turkey that the even cooking/smoking produces a very moist bird.  I highly recommend this approach.

Art