Easy Smoked Chicken Breasts
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If you want a simple and delicious way to smoke chicken breasts, try this recipe for easy smoked chicken breasts. This recipe requires just a few ingredients: chicken breasts, olive oil, and a BBQ dry rub of your choice. I used Honey Hog BBQ rub from Meat Church for this particular recipe. This adds a sweet and savory flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
The process is straightforward and perfect for both beginners and seasoned grill masters who want a quick and flavorful meal. In addition to choosing a BBQ rub, you can experiment with different pellets to enhance the flavor of your tender smoked chicken breasts.
The type of wood pellets you use can significantly impact the taste, allowing you to customize the dish to your preference. When we made this recipe, we opted for apple pellets with my smoker. I figured they would pair well with the Honey Hog Rub. The subtle sweetness of the apple wood smoke perfectly complemented the savory rub, resulting in a deliciously smoky and flavorful chicken.
However, feel free to use any pellets that work well with chicken, such as mesquite, hickory, cherry, or pecan, to achieve your desired flavor profile. No matter which combination you choose, these easy-smoked chicken breasts will surely be a hit at your next meal.
Ingredients to Make Easy Smoked Chicken Breasts
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
- OLIVE OIL
- BBQ RUB (I USED HONEY HOG BBQ FROM MEAT CHURCH)
How to Make Easy Smoked Chicken Breasts
To make this easy smoked chicken breasts recipe, prepare the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. First, flatten the chicken breasts to be about 1/2 inch thick. This can be done using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet. Flattening the chicken helps it cook more evenly and absorb the smoky flavors more effectively.
Once the chicken breasts are uniformly thick, use a silicone brush to coat each side with a light layer of olive oil. This helps the BBQ rub adhere to the meat and adds a touch of moisture to keep the chicken juicy. After brushing with olive oil, generously sprinkle your chosen BBQ seasoning blend all over the chicken. Ensuring each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Next, you’ll move on to smoking the chicken breast meat. Begin by preheating your pellet smoker to 250 degrees F. This low and slow cooking method allows the chicken to absorb the rich, smoky flavors from the wood pellets.
Once the smoker is preheated, place the seasoned chicken breasts on the smoker rack. Close the lid and let the chicken cook for about 1 hour, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Using a meat thermometer to check the temperature is crucial to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
After the chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 5 minutes. Tent the chicken with foil during this resting period to keep it warm. This also allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
This smoked chicken is delicious as is, with its perfectly seasoned and smoky exterior. Alternatively, you can slice it up and serve it on a salad for a healthy and flavorful meal. The versatility of this smoked chicken makes it a fantastic addition to any meal, whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a larger dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this recipe for other cuts of chicken?
Yes, you can use this method for other cuts of chicken, such as thighs or drumsticks. Adjust the cooking time and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
What can I serve with smoked chicken breasts?
Smoked chicken breasts are versatile and can be served with various side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, salads, coleslaw, or grilled corn. They are also great sliced and added to sandwiches or wraps.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover smoked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Easy Smoked Chicken Breasts
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp bbq rub I used Honey Hog BBQ from Meat Church
Instructions
- Preheat pellet smoker to 250 degrees.
- Meanwhile, flatten the chicken breasts evenly to 1/2 inch thickness. Using a silicone brush, brush each side of the chicken with olive oil. Then sprinkle to rub all over the chicken.
- Place the chicken on the preheated smoker and cook at 250 for about 1 hour until the chicken to reach 160 degrees. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes while tented with foil the serve. Serves 4.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Gimme Some Grilling.
