BASIL AND WINE INFUSED SMOKED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Soak wood chips in water for 1 hour. Prepare charcoal grill for indirect grilling by placing a foil pan in the center of the grill and arranging charcoal around the pan; heat to medium.
• Mix together salt, sugar, paprika and pepper; set aside.
• Remove neck and giblets from chicken; discard.
• Rinse chicken inside and out, and pat dry with paper towels.
• Rub chicken lightly with oil.
• Loosen skin from breast and drumsticks by inserting fingers and gently pushing between skin and meat.
• Season chicken with spice rub; under the skin, and inside and out.
• Insert basil leaves under the skin.
• Drain wood chips and place half on the hot coals.
• Brush grate with oil.
• Fill an empty 12 oz soda or beer can with wine and herbs and place on a solid surface.
• Hold chicken upright, with body cavity facing down, and insert beer can into cavity.
• Place chicken in the middle of the grate with its legs spread out, forming a tripod to support the chicken.
• Cover and grill 2 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into meaty portion of thigh registers 180°F and the juices run clear.
• Add remaining wood chips after an hour and hot charcoal as required.
• Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.
• Carefully remove can from chicken and discard.
• Carve and serve with your favorite sauce and sides.