Savoring Flavor with Smoked Chicken and Santaannas Smoky Chipotle Sauce paired with a Belgian Wheat Beer (Witbier) from BelgeCraft or from MotherCityLiquor
The art of smoking meats has been a time-honored tradition, delivering mouthwatering flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Among the myriad options for smoked delights, smoked chicken stands out as a versatile and delicious choice. Elevating this culinary experience further, we introduce the magic of Smoky Chipotle sauce from Santaannas—a spicy, smoky, and utterly delicious concoction that complements the tender smoked chicken.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start your journey by selecting high-quality chicken. Opt for skin-on, bone-in pieces for a juicier result. Thoroughly clean and pat the chicken dry, allowing the rub and smoke to adhere perfectly.
Step 2: Crafting the Rub
A well-balanced rub is key to infusing your smoked chicken with flavor. Create a simple yet tantalizing mixture by combining ingredients like:
- 2 tablespoons of paprika for color and depth
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness
- 1 tablespoon of salt to enhance the natural flavors
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper for a mild kick
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for aromatic notes
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder for a subtle zing
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a gentle heat
Mix these ingredients thoroughly and generously coat the chicken pieces with the rub, ensuring an even distribution. Allow the rub to rest with the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, refrigerate overnight for a more intense flavor infusion.
Step 3: Setting Up the Smoker
While your chicken marinades, prepare your smoker. Use your preferred wood chips—I recommend fruitwoods like apple or cherry—for a sweet and mild smoke flavor that won't overpower the chipotle sauce. Preheat the smoker to a steady temperature of around 107°C.
Step 4: The Smoking Process
Once your smoker is at the optimal temperature, arrange the chicken pieces on the grate. Maintain the temperature and smoke for approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. This will be a perfect time to knock back a few beers with your mates. Throughout the smoking process, be attentive to maintaining a consistent temperature and replenishing wood chips as needed.
Step 5: Bringing it All Together
As the smoked chicken reaches its internal temperature of 74°C and develops a beautiful golden-brown color, it's time to remove them from the smoker. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to ensure maximum juiciness.
Serve the smoked chicken with a generous drizzle of the Santaannas Smoky Chipotle sauce. The sauce's smoky, spicy, and creamy notes will intertwine with the rich flavors of the chicken, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.
Step 6: Elevating the Experience with Wheat Beer Pairing
As you prepare to indulge in the delightful combination of smoked chicken with Smoky Chipotle sauce, don't overlook the role that a well-chosen beverage can play in enhancing your culinary experience. A wheat beer, with its refreshing qualities and unique flavor profile, can serve as the perfect companion to this smoky and spicy dish.
Why Wheat Beer?
Wheat beers, known for their light and crisp nature, provide a harmonious balance to the bold flavors of smoked chicken and the smoky chipotle sauce. Their effervescence and subtle sweetness help cleanse the palate between bites, allowing you to fully appreciate each component of the dish.
Recommendation: Get your BelgeCraft Belgian Witbier here. or a Belgian Extra White Verdette from MotherCityLiquor here.
