The Best Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe
Looking for the perfect balance of juicy tenderness and smoky flavor? This best smoked chicken breast recipe delivers just that! After countless barbecues, I’ve perfected this technique and can’t wait for you to try it. For more smoky favorites, check out our juicy smoked chicken breast or flavorful chicken wing rub.
The secret to this smoked chicken breast is the perfect spice rub that forms a flavorful crust while slow smoking keeps the meat juicy. It’s an easy, foolproof method that delivers restaurant-quality results right at home. I’m not saying it’s addictive, but I’ve made it three times this week! For more delicious chicken recipes, try our spatchcock chicken, Instant Pot bone-in chicken breast, or Blackstone chicken breast.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Perfect balance of smoky flavor and juicy tenderness that will impress everyone at your table
- Simple preparation with easy-to-find ingredients that doesn’t require advanced smoking skills
- Versatile chicken that works beautifully for meal prep, salads, sandwiches, and countless other dishes
Recipe Ingredients
The heart of this best smoked chicken breast recipe starts with quality ingredients that create layers of flavor without overwhelming the natural taste of the chicken.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Coarse salt
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Onion powder
- Dried thyme
- Black pepper
- White pepper
- Cajun seasoning
- Optional olive oil
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Try to select breasts of similar size for even cooking. If they vary in thickness, consider gently pounding them to a more uniform thickness.
- Smoked Paprika: This is different from regular paprika and provides that authentic smoky flavor even before the meat hits the smoker. Don’t substitute with regular paprika if possible.
- Cajun Seasoning: Different brands vary in salt content and heat level. Adjust the amount based on your preference and the specific brand you’re using.
How to Make Best Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe
For the complete printable recipe with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll to the recipe card below. Here’s a quick overview of how this delicious smoked chicken breast comes together:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F and prepare your wood chips or pellets.
- Mix all the dry rub ingredients thoroughly in a bowl.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the rub adhere better.
- Apply the rub generously to all sides of the chicken, pressing it into the meat.
- For a wet rub variation, mix the spices with olive oil before applying.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly on the smoker grates.
- Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the smoker and let rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Slice against the grain and serve while warm.
Pro Tips
It’s so simple, even a beginner can nail it, but these professional tips will elevate your smoked chicken breast to the next level:
- For extra moisture, consider brining your chicken breasts for 2-4 hours before smoking.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect temperature without overcooking.
- Different wood chips create different flavor profiles: apple and cherry wood provide a milder, sweeter smoke while hickory and mesquite offer a stronger flavor.
- Place a water pan in your smoker to help maintain moisture levels during the cooking process.
- Position chicken breasts in the center of the smoker for the most even heat distribution.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooled smoked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer paper, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat gently in a 275°F oven with a splash of chicken broth until warmed through (about 15 minutes).
Additions & Substitutions
Additions:
- Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the rub for a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully
- Include 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for those who enjoy more heat
- Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes of smoking for a glazed finish
Substitutions:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier result
- Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile
- Substitute any herbs in the rub with fresh versions (just double the amount)
- Swap olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor in the wet rub
FAQs About This Smoked Chicken Breast
How do you keep chicken breast moist when smoking?
How long does it take to smoke chicken breasts at 225°F?
Should I brine my chicken breast before smoking?
What Can I Serve With This Smoked Chicken Breast?
This versatile smoked chicken breast pairs beautifully with so many sides! Try serving it alongside a fresh corn salad, creamy coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes. It also makes an incredible addition to pasta dishes, grain bowls, or sliced thin for the best sandwich you’ll ever taste.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d be thrilled to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment below or tag me in your smoking adventures on social media. Your feedback helps me create even better recipes for you!
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You May Also Like
- Smoked Chicken Wing Brine
- Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
- Smoked Chicken Legs
- High-Protein Chicken Salad
Best Smoked Chicken Breast
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken
Spice Rub
- 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar, packed
- 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon coarse salt
- 0.5 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 0.5 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Optional Wet Rub
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil if using wet rub
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225°F.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
- Pat dry each chicken breast with paper towels.
- Generously cover each chicken breast with the dry rub, pressing the spices into the meat.
- Place the chicken breasts on the smoker grates and smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the smoker, let rest for 3-5 minutes, then slice and serve.
