The most important tool to have is a Good Thermometer. The one that comes with most smokers are rarely accurate. I would suggest a Maverick-732 from this guy. Todd is a member, gives great service and always has great prices...
http://www.amazenproducts.com
Here is a couple more Recipes to get you started.
Chicken is best Brined. This adds moisture and tenderizes the meat. Your smoker should be able to get up to 300-325*F. This will cook the Chicken and give a Crisp Skin.
Families Favorite Brine
1/2C Kosher Salt
2T Paprika
2T Gran. Garlic
2T Gran. Onion
2T Dry Thyme
2T Black Pepper
1C Vinegar (Any)
1-11/2Gal Cold Water to cover Chix
1/2C Brown Sugar, Optional
1T Red Pepper Flake Optional
Mix well and Soak the Bird over night or up to 24 Hours.
Remove the Chix, rinse if desired and pat dry with paper towels.
Place in an open container in the refrigerator overnight or up to 24 hours for the Skin to dry.
This will give a crispier skin when Smokng or Roasting...
Bubba Chix Rub
1/2C Raw Sugar
2T Paprika (I use Smoked if I'm just Grilling)
1T Cayenne
1T Gran. Garlic
1T Gran. Onion
1tsp Black Pepper
1tsp Wht Pepper
1tsp Allspice
1tsp Bell's Poultry Seasoning or Thyme
Mix well. You can put directly on the skin or mix with Butter, Oil or Bacon Grease and rub on and under the Skin.
Reduce Cayenne to 1teaspoon if less heat is desired.
For a general purpose Rub for Pork and really any meat...
Try this... It is Mild and compliments different style sauces well...If you want spicier add more Cayenne or increase Blk Pepper to 1T and add 1T Wht Pepper and 1T Mustard powder.
Mild Bubba Q Rub
1/2C Sugar in the Raw (Turbinado)
2T Sweet Paprika (Hungarian)
1T Kosher Salt
1T Chili Powder (contains some Cumin and Oregano) Ancho Chile is same without cumin, oregano etc.
1T Granulated Garlic
1T Granulated Onion
1tsp Black Pepper, more if you like
1tsp Thyme
1tsp Oregano
1/2tsp Grnd Allspice
Cayenne or Chipotle Pwd to taste, start with 1/2tsp and go from there.
I think that's enough to get you started. Use the Search function for anything you can think of and if you need more info or have a question post it or PM anyone you wish to ask your question...JJ