RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Pecan-Smoked Spicy Chicken

Everyone should have a go-to whole chicken recipe in their culinary repertoire. While roasting a chicken certainly gets the job done, it's hard to beat the flavor profile of a chicken cooked low and slow on a smoker. The chicken can be enjoyed right off the bone, and leftovers can be pulled or chopped in enchiladas, tacos, salads, and more.

Combine the water, pepper, garlic powder, salt, and honey in a pot and heat over the stove until completely dissolved; let cool in the fridge.

Place the chicken in a 2-gallon zip-top freezer bag and pour in the brine. Force out as much air as possible, then...