For the Chicken and Rub:
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 whole chickens, halved and backbones discarded or reserved for another use
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
2 teaspoons freshly minced garlic (about 2 medium cloves)
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1 cup apple juice
1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 fist-size chunk of light smoking wood, such as apple or cherry
Sandwich rolls, for serving (optional)
Coleslaw, for serving (optional)