Fancy Chicken with Cheese Recipe

How to make it

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• The night before you plan to barbecue, clean the chicken and remove the organs form the cavity of the chicken.
• Massage the chicken thoroughly with the cheese and pesto, inside and out, working them as far as possible under the skin without tearing it.
• Insert the basil leaves under the skin, placing them evenly as possible over the chicken. Truss the chicken (optional). Place in a plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.
• Prepare the smoker for barbecuing, bringing the temperature to 200 degrees to 220 degrees.
• Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• If you plan to baste the chicken, mix together the mop ingredients with 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Keep the mop warm over low heat.
• Transfer the chicken to the smoker, breast down. Cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, basting the chicken with the mop every 30 minutes in a wood-burning pit, or as is appropriate for your style of smoker.
• Turn the bird breast side up about halfway through the cooking time.
• When the chicken is done, its legs will move freely and the internal temperature should be 180 degrees to 185 degrees .
• Let the chicken stand for 5-10 minutes. Remove the skin (optional), carve and serve.