Smoked BBQ Chicken Breasts
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
There is a key step that helps make these smoked bbq chicken breasts so amazing. It all begins by letting the chicken soak in a brine, which makes it moist and juicy.
The brine is so simple for these smoked BBQ chicken breasts. It’s a combination of warm water, salt, and brown sugar. You combine those things together until the sugar and salt dissolve. Then, add the chicken to the brine and make sure it is completely covered. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Ingredients to Smoked BBQ Chicken Breasts
- WATER
- SALT
- BROWN SUGAR
- BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
- BBQ RUB (I USED MEAT CHURCH’S ALL PURPOSE RUB)
- BBQ SAUCE
How to Make Smoked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe
Preheat your pellet grill smoker to 250 degrees. I used a combo mix that includes cherry, hickory, maple, and oak. Next, remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with a paper towel.
Then, season the chicken with a BBQ dry rub. I used Meat Church’s The Gospel All-Purpose Rub. Place the chicken on the smoker grill grates for 1 hour until it reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees f using a meat thermometer.
Last, you brush the chicken with some BBQ sauce and smoke it for another 10 minutes. I like to use Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce. Allow the chicken to sit for 5 minutes before serving. These juicy chicken breasts are flavorful and delicious! Gotta love that smoky flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wood pellets should I use for smoking?
Hickory and applewood are popular choices for smoking chicken, providing a nice balance of smoky and sweet flavors. Depending on your taste preference, you can experiment with other wood chips, like cherry or mesquite.
Do I need to brine the chicken breasts before smoking?
Brining is optional but recommended as it helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Brine the chicken breasts for 1-2 hours before smoking.
Can I smoke frozen chicken breasts?
It’s best to thaw chicken breast meat completely before smoking. Smoking frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking and a less desirable texture.
How do I store leftover smoked BBQ chicken breasts?
Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or on the grill until warmed through.
What should I serve with smoked BBQ chicken breasts?
Smoked BBQ chicken breasts pair well with side dishes like coleslaw, baked beans, cornbread, potato salad, or grilled vegetables.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Smoked BBQ Chicken Breasts
Real Mom Kitchen
Ingredients
- 4 cups warm water
- ¼ cup salt
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts pound out so all are even thickness
- ⅓ cup bbq rub I used Meat Church’s All Purpose Rub
- 1 cup bbq sauce I use Sweet Baby Ray’s
Instructions
- In a large bowl or container, combine the warm water with the salt and sugar. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved.
- Place the chicken in the brine and make sure it is completely covered. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Remove chicken from the brine and pat dry. Preheat your pellet smoker to 250 degrees. Coat chicken with the bbq rub.
- Place chicken on the smoker and cook at 250 degrees until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Brush chicken with the bbq sauce and continue to smoke for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from the smoker and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 4-6.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from Dinner at the Zoo.
