This Smoked Chicken Breast recipe is smoky, juicy, and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer cookout!
Try this Perfect Smoked Chicken Breast recipe! Enjoy them in salads, sandwiches, or on their own.
4-6
10 minutes
2-3 hours (depending on thickness)
2 hours 10 minutes (minimum)
Ingredients:
- 2 whole bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (around 1.5 pounds each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon your favorite BBQ rub (or a combination of smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wood chips for smoking (hickory, applewood, or a combination work well)
Directions:
Step 1
Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush them lightly with olive oil and season generously with your chosen BBQ rub or spice mixture. Don’t forget to season both sides!
Step 2
Smoking Setup: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If using a charcoal smoker, preheat the coals and add the wood chips for smoking according to your smoker’s instructions.
Step 3
Smoke Time: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the smoker, skin-side up. Smoke for 1 ½ – 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
Step 4
Rest and Enjoy: Once cooked through, remove the chicken breasts from the smoker and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful and tender result.
Step 5
Carve & Serve: Carve the smoked chicken breasts and serve them immediately. Enjoy them on their own, with your favorite BBQ sauce, or use them in sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Tips:
- For Smoky Flavor: Enhance the smoky flavor by adding a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the smoker along with the wood chips.
- Internal Temperature Matters: Using an instant-read thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure your chicken breasts are cooked through.
- Leftovers: Store leftover smoked chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What’s your experience with this Smoked Chicken Breast recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments!
