Achieving Crispy Chicken Using a Stovetop Smoker: A Guide

Are you looking to grill the perfect chicken that is both juicy inside and crispy on the outside, while also incorporating a smoky flavor? Despite the common misconception, smoking your chicken on a stovetop smoker alone will not yield crispy skin. The stovetop smoker will cook the chicken slowly at low temperatures, which is not ideal for achieving that coveted crispy texture.

However, with a few strategic steps, you can get the crispy chicken you want. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prepping Your Chicken for Crispiness

1. Smoke the Chicken Most of the Way: Start by smoking your chicken on a stovetop smoker. This will help infuse the meat with a robust smoky flavor, but it won't achieve the desired crispy texture.

2. Finish Under the Broiler: Once the chicken has been mostly smoked, transfer it to a hot skillet or finish it in a broiler. This high-heat cooking method will crisp up the skin, ensuring that it is both crispy and golden brown.

The Science Behind Crisp Skin

Crisp skin on chicken is achieved through a combination of high heat and a sufficient amount of fat. Techniques like frying, deep frying, or using a crispy coating on the chicken skin can achieve this. In contrast, smoking involves low and slow cooks at temperatures that are too low to achieve crispiness. High heat and direct contact with a hot surface are required to achieve the right level of crispness.

Using a Stovetop Smoker Safely

Before attempting to smoke your chicken on a stovetop smoker, it's essential to understand the safety precautions. Stovetop smokers can produce carbon monoxide, which can be hazardous if inhaled in high concentrations. To use a stovetop smoker safely:

Operate Outside: Stovetop smokers should always be used outdoors to ensure proper ventilation. Use the Vent Fan: Keep the vent fan on to maintain airflow and safety during operation. Follow Instructions: Read the entire instruction booklet thoroughly, paying special attention to the safety precautions. These are mandatory guidelines to ensure safe operation. Monitor the Device: Regularly check the device to ensure it is functioning properly and following the recommended operating procedures.

Smoking meat can be done with either hot or cold smoke, each with different outcomes. Hot smoking, which is the method typically used in a stovetop smoker, will cook the meat but is unlikely to achieve crisp skin. Cold smoking, on the other hand, does not cook the meat at all and will not result in crispy skin. If you want crispy chicken, combining the smoking process with a finishing step in a pan or under the broiler is the way to go.

Top Tip: Skillet Finishing Method

The easiest way to achieve crispy skin on your chicken is to use a hot skillet. Simple steps include:

Preheat the Skillet: Heat a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet until it is very hot. Apply Oil: Lightly oil the chicken skin before placing it in the hot skillet. Cook Both Sides: Cook the chicken on each side for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.

This simple technique will give you the perfect balance of smoky flavor from the initial smoking and crispy, golden-brown skin from the final cooking process in the skillet.

Now that you know how to achieve crispy chicken using a stovetop smoker, you can impress your guests with perfectly cooked, juicy, and crispy chicken. Remember, combining the right smoking technique with a finish in the skillet is the key to success.