Smoky Chicken Spread Food

SMOKY CHICKEN SPREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix the first 5 ingredients. Stir in chicken, celery and almonds. Refrigerate, covered, at least 2 hours., Serve with crackers.

SMOKY CHICKEN SPREAD

Steps:

• 1. In a large bowl, combine first 8 ingredients.
• 2. Cover, and chill at least 2 hours.
• 3. Serve with crackers. Makes 4 cups. Makes 32 appetizers. Or, about 5 sandwiches.

SMOKED WHOLE CHICKEN WITH HONEY BBQ SAUCE

Steps:

• For the BBQ seasoning: Combine the brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard and cayenne in a small bowl.
• Preheat your smoker or grill to 275 degrees F.
• If using a charcoal or gas grill, prepare for two-zone cooking with heat or coals on one side of the grill and none on the other. If using a gas grill, prepare your smoking pouches by tearing off 2 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil and layering them flat on your work surface. Place two cups of dry wood chips on the center of your foil. Fold up each long side and crimp to secure. Then roll up the ends to make a sealed wood chip pouch. Poke holes in the top of your pouch to allow the heat from the fire to singe the wood chips inside the pouch and make some gorgeous smoke that will be released through the holes and add a delicious smoke flavor to your food. Repeat this process so you have a total of 3 pouches.
• Combine the softened butter and the BBQ seasoning in a small bowl. Use your fingers to loosen the skin of the chicken and spread the seasoned butter up under the skin. Spread any remaining butter on top of the chicken skin.
• Use butcher twine to tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips behind the shoulder joint. Place your chicken directly on the grill grates over indirect heat on your smoker or grill. Add the wood of your choice; I recommend apple, cherry, maple, or pecan. If using a grill, place the smoking pouch on the direct heat. Close the lid and smoke for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, replacing the smoking pouch as necessary. Breasts should be about 160 to 165 degrees F. The thighs should be about 170 to 175 degrees F. If needed, rotate the chicken once during smoking.
• While your chicken is smoking, prepare your BBQ sauce. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, honey, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and allow to cool.
• Baste the chicken with the honey BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking (this is optional). Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the grill, rest for 10 minutes, slice, and serve.

APPLEWOOD-SMOKED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Make the brine: Whisk 2 cups water, the apple cider, vinegar, brown sugar, salt and honey in a medium saucepan until the sugar and salt dissolve. Add the bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a large glass bowl or other heatproof container and refrigerate until cooled, 1 to 2 hours.
• Add the chicken to the brine, making sure it is completely submerged. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Preheat a grill to medium low and prepare for indirect cooking: On a gas grill, preheat the grill, then turn off half the burners. On a charcoal grill, light the coals, then bank to one side; put a disposable aluminum drip pan under the grates on the unlit side of the grill. Meanwhile, soak the applewood chips in water, 30 minutes; drain.
• Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and generously sprinkle all over with the dry rub.
• When the grill registers 275˚ F, add the wood chips: On a gas grill, fill a smoker box with the chips and use according to the manufacturer's instructions; on a charcoal grill, sprinkle the chips over the coals. Place the chicken breast-side down on the cooler side of the grill. Cover the grill and smoke the chicken until the meat is no longer pink around the bone and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thighs registers 175˚ F, about 2 hours (if using charcoal, adjust the air vents and add more coals as needed so the temperature stays around 275˚ F).
• Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest at least 15 minutes before carving.
• Photograph Ralph Smith

CHICKEN SALAD SPREAD WITH SMOKED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Bring broth or water to a boil in a large skillet and add chicken breasts.
• Reduce heat to a simmer and poach chicken, turning once, for about 7 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and leave chicken in broth as it cools for about 20 minutes.
• Discard the skin and finely shred the chicken into a bowl.
• Stir together chicken, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, shallot, tarragon, and seasoning to taste.
• Make 12 sandwiches with chicken salad and bread, pressing together gently. With a 2-inch round cutter, cut 2 rounds from each sandwich.
• Spread edges of rounds with remaining 1/2 cup mayonnaise to coat well and then roll the edges in the chopped almonds.
• If you decide to use croissants you may prefer to add the chopped almonds directly to the chicken mixture.
• These sandwiches may be made 2 hours ahead, wrapped, and chilled.

CHICKEN SPREAD

Steps:

• Simmer the chicken and garlic until chicken no longer runs pink when pierced.
• Cut the chicken in 1" pieces.
• Put all ingredients, including garlic, through blender or grinder.
• Blend smoothly.
• Chill and serve.