Chicken looks gorgeous. I agree in regards to spatchcocking. I dropped in to say the same thing. I smoked several chickens whole before I tried spatchcock. Once I did, it is the ONLY way I smoke chicken now. It will take your entire chicken game up a notch or two.
Great job with your first chicken smoke! I love smoking chickens. I have a local store where I can get a two pack of whole chickens for $9.99. The chickens make meals all week and the carcasses and bones make for an excellent soup stock that I use for a variety of soups and sauces!
I’m a big fan of this method. I make a seasoning paste using canola oil and spices, and lift the skin to season the meat under it. My results have been solid
Wood isnt going to change your mind, the method of cooking might.
Ive made ribs and chicken with all the popular woods. To someone who only eats bbq but doesnt cook it, the wood doesnt matter. All they know is that its smoked.
How did you season? Looks good!