Caribbean Smoked Chicken & Spicy Smoked Lamb

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Shea Goldstein (@dixiechikcooks)

I’m now a HUGE fan of anything and everything smoked, especially chicken, but for the first time, I smoked lamb, as well as chicken at an event. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in a smoking competition – and I’ve never even used a smoker before. Thank...

Caribbean Smoked Chicken & Spicy Smoked Lamb recipe
Prep Time
48hr 0min
Cook Time
4hr 0min
Total Time
52hr

Ingredients

12 Servings
(1 serving = approximately 1/2 lb of meat)

Main Ingredients

  • whole chickens (approximately 5 lbs each)
    whole chickens (approximately 5 lbs each)
    2
  • boneless leg of lamb (approximately 5 lbs)
    boneless leg of lamb (approximately 5 lbs)
    1
  • beer (approximately half empty)
    beer (approximately half empty)
    2can

Brine for Chicken and Lamb

  • water
    water
    1gal
  • whole lemons, quartered
    whole lemons, quartered
    3
  • whole oranges, quartered
    whole oranges, quartered
    2
  • peppercorns
    peppercorns
    1cup
  • jarred minced garlic
    jarred minced garlic
    3tbsp
  • thyme
    thyme
    2tbsp
  • rosemary
    rosemary
    2tbsp
  • salt
    salt
    1cup
  • sugar
    sugar
    1cup

Rub for Chicken

  • smoked paprika
    smoked paprika
    2tbsp
  • sea salt
    sea salt
    2tbsp
  • garlic
    garlic
    2tbsp
  • black pepper
    black pepper
    1tbsp
  • dried onion flakes
    dried onion flakes
    1tbsp
  • turmeric
    turmeric
    1tbsp
  • cumin
    cumin
    2tbsp
  • ginger
    ginger
    1tbsp
  • allspice
    allspice
    1tbsp
  • cilantro
    cilantro
    1tbsp
  • cayenne
    cayenne
    1tbsp
  • oregano
    oregano
    1tbsp
  • thyme
    thyme
    1tbsp

Rub for Lamb

  • cumin
    cumin
    2tsp
  • cardamom
    cardamom
    2tsp
  • turmeric
    turmeric
    2tsp
  • sea salt
    sea salt
    2tsp
  • pepper
    pepper
    2tsp
  • garlic powder
    garlic powder
    2tsp
  • ginger
    ginger
    1tsp
  • nutmeg
    nutmeg
    1tsp
  • allspice
    allspice
    1tsp
  • dry mustard
    dry mustard
    1tsp
  • coriander
    coriander
    1tsp
  • Old Bay
    Old Bay
    1tsp
  • chili pepper flakes
    chili pepper flakes
    1tsp
  • cayenne pepper
    cayenne pepper
    1/2tsp
  • white vinegar
    white vinegar
    1/2cup

How to make Caribbean Smoked Chicken & Spicy Smoked Lamb

Brining the Meat

  1. Step 1

    Combine all brine ingredients in large plastic containers or large freezer bags that seal very well.

  2. Step 2

    Place the chicken and lamb into the brine and refrigerate for 48 hours.

Preparing the Rubs

  1. Step 1

    Combine the rub ingredients for the chicken and lamb in separate containers.

  2. Step 2

    Store the rubs in the fridge until ready to use.

Smoking the Meat

  1. Step 1

    Drain the chicken and lamb from the brine and discard the brine.

  2. Step 2

    Pat the meats dry with paper towels.

  3. Step 3

    Split the vinegar in half and mix each half with the respective rub to create a wet rub.

  4. Step 4

    Rub the chicken and lamb thoroughly with their respective wet rubs.

  5. Step 5

    Place a beer can into the cavity of each chicken and stabilize them on the grill.

  6. Step 6

    Smoke the chicken and lamb over indirect heat at 275-350°F for 3-4 hours or until fully cooked.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

0.0kcal

Protein

0.0g

Carbs

0.0g

Sugars

0.0g

Healthy Fat

0.0g

Unhealthy Fat

0.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Play around with the rub ingredients to adjust the heat level to your preference.

  2. Brining for the full 48 hours yields the most tender and flavorful meat, but you can shorten the time if needed.

  3. Ensure the smoker maintains a consistent temperature for even cooking.

  4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for doneness.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of smoker for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use any smoker as long as it maintains a consistent temperature of 275-350°F.

  2. Do I have to use beer cans for the chicken?

    No, you can use other liquid-filled containers designed for beer can chicken or skip this step, but the beer helps keep the chicken moist.

  3. Can I skip the brining step?

    Brining is highly recommended as it enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat, but you can skip it if you're short on time.

  4. How do I know when the meat is done?

    Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, and lamb should reach your preferred level of doneness (e.g., 145°F for medium-rare).

  5. Can I make the rubs less spicy?

    Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne and chili pepper flakes to make the rubs milder.

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Shea Goldstein

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A Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch...

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