Steps For Smoking a Chicken Breast
It’s really very simple, here’s what you’ll do: If you like this recipe, check out our smoked pork shoulder and this perfectly smoked beef chuck roast.
How Long To Smoke Chicken Breasts
Depending on the size of the chicken breasts, it will take about 2-3 hours to smoke them. You want to smoke chicken low and slow at 225° so the smoke has time to penetrate the chicken and give it that smoky flavor. Watch the chicken closely during the last hour of smoking. Using an instant read thermometer, you’ll be able to to check it quickly to see when it’s getting close to the required temperature (see below).
The Best Internal Temperature for Smoked Chicken
For the best tasting, juicy (and fully-cooked safe to eat) chicken, I recommend cooking smoked chicken breast to an internal temperature of 150° Fahrenheit. I know that every package of chicken states to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°, but that is the temperature that kills all bacteria instantly and is appropriate too use when cooking with high-heat. If you smoke your chicken breast to this temperature it will be dry and rubbery. When smoking chicken, it’s all about time at temperature. So, if you bring your chicken to an internal temperature of 150° and hold it there for 5 minutes, that is sufficient to kill any bacteria. This is covered in the USDA’s guidance on cooking poultry.
Making a Traeger Chicken Breast
This recipe will work on any pellet grill or smoker. I highly recommend a Traeger pellet grill, it’s what I’ve always used. It’s great for both high-heat and smoking and is very easy to use. For this recipe, if you’re using a newer Traeger, just poke the probe into the thickest breast and set it to alert you when it reaches 150° – easy peasy!
What to Serve With Smoker Chicken Breast
Some of our favorites are potato salad or creamy coleslaw, but the possibilities are endless. Serve this smoky chicken with:
A green salad or roasted veggiesAsian cucumber saladAir fryer potato wedgesRegular or cauliflower rice
Need more serving ideas? Check out this listing of 10 BBQ side dishes.
Your Turn to Try this Easy Smoked Chicken
Fire up your smoker or pellet grill and give this delicious chicken breast recipe a try. You’ll be amazed by the flavor and how easy this recipe is to prep and cook. If you try it, be sure to leave a rating and comment below and let us know how it goes. Also, take a pic to share on Instagram. Tag us @realsimplegood, we love to see what you’re cooking!
