Smoked Chicken and Green Beans & Tri-Color Potatoes

Smoked chicken and green beans and potatoes are a hit in this recipe.

My new favorite way to make chicken is to smoke a whole chicken. Smoking gives an extra layer to the flavor, but you can always do this in an oven too. Whether in the smoker or an oven, a whole chicken and some vegetable sides provide protein and nutrients for days, and is not as work intensive as you’d think. In fact, the most time consuming part is preparing the vegetables, which is something you can easily substitute with quicker options.

This meal will feed at least 4 immediately. If you have leftovers, you can pair with salad for an easy healthy meal.

Prepping and Smoking the Chicken

To prep the chicken, I cover it in olive oil and spices. That’s it. I have been using Traeger’s Fin & Feather rub, which is flavored largely with garlic and paprika. The whole chicken then goes in the oven or grill on 375 until the meat reaches an internal temperature between 160 and 165. This will take the better part of an hour.

Prepping the Sides

After the chicken has gone in, wash the green beans and snap the ends. Wash the new potatoes and add to the green beans. Chop one clove of garlic into small pieces and set aside. Cut 2-4 slices of bacon into 1 inch square pieces. Dry the beans and potatoes, and cover in olive oil and chopped garlic. Spread the vegetables onto a pan lined with parchment or butcher paper. Place the bacon pieces on top of the vegetables.

Cooking the Green Beans and Potatoes

When the chicken is done, verify that the meat is at an internal temperature of at least 160. When the chicken is removed, bump the heat to 400 degrees. When it is ready, put the vegetables in the oven or smoker for 20 minutes. Check at 20; add 3-4 minutes if the vegetables are not yet golden brown.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 2 ounces olive oil
• chicken spice rub
• 1 pound green beans
• 1 pound tri-color or new potatoes
• 2-4 slices bacon
• 2 ounces olive oil 
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Chicken as a Protein Source

Chicken is a great source of protein. A 3-4 ounce serving will give you a little over 30 grams of protein, which is a great goal for a meal. Can’t get enough chicken? Try this One Pan Chicken Recipe.

Need a change from chicken? This trout recipe is delicious, and this venison fajita is something new and fresh to throw on your grill!

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