I do wings these days because a whole chicken has too many variables. But when I did, it was ..
•Spatchcock the bird to even out the thickness of the breasts and thighs to promote even cooking. Much easier carving and no backbone to mess with.
•Dry brine it overnight, uncovered on paper towels, in the fridge. Whatever brine you create, kosher salt is the key, along withcornstarch, will help dry the skin the most for crispiness.
•Preheat smoker to 325F.
•Pat the bird as dry as possible and insert a temp probe in each a breast and a thigh (not touching bone).
•Chicken doneness chart says breast @160F and thighs @175. When one of those temps is reached, look for clear not pink running liquid … clear is done, pink isn’t. That’ll be your decision 😎.
•If skin isn’t as crispy as desired, you can always remove the chicken and crank up the heat to finish it off.
•Let it rest under a loose foil tent for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Hope this gives you an idea. Good Luck!