Ultimate Smoked Chicken & Cowboy Beans Recipe

pinto beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and can be more affordable.

barbecue sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade barbecue sauce

💰Cheaper: ketchup + vinegar

Homemade sauce can reduce sugar and preservatives.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner, while thighs are cheaper than breasts.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic index.

Take a whole chicken and place it breast side down on a cutting board.

Using kitchen shears or a knife, cut out the backbone of the chicken on each side.

Remove the backbone completely and discard it.

Flatten the chicken by pulling it open.

Wash hands after handling the chicken.

Season the chicken with a seasoning blend on both sides.

Preheat the smoker to 225°F.

Place the chicken in the smoker on the bottom rack.

Smoke the chicken for 45 minutes at 225°F.

Increase the smoker temperature to 425°F and cook for an additional 45 minutes to crisp the skin.

Prepare the beans by taking out a cast iron skillet.

Use canned baked beans as a base for the cowboy beans.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: