Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe
Want perfectly smoked chicken? Follow this Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe for a flavorful, tender dish every time. Learn the secrets now!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – 4 large
- Water – 4 cups
- Kosher salt – 1/4 cup
- Brown sugar – 1/4 cup
- Garlic cloves – 4 crushed
- Bay leaves – 2
- Paprika – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic powder – 1 tablespoon
- Onion powder – 1 tablespoon
- Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Dried herbs – 1 tablespoon
- Additional Seasonings: Garlic Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, brown sugar
Instructions
- Initial Preparation (2-4 hours before smoking)Prepare the Brine SolutionHeat 4 cups of water in a large potAdd 1/4 cup kosher salt and brown sugarStir until completely dissolvedAdd crushed garlic and bay leavesLet cool to room temperatureBrine the ChickenSubmerge chicken breasts fully in cooled brineCover container and refrigerateBrine for 2-4 hours (don’t exceed this time)Remove from brine and pat completely dryLet rest at room temperature for 30 minutesApply the RubMix all dry rub ingredients thoroughlyCoat chicken evenly on all sidesPress rub gently into meatEnsure complete coverage
- Smoking ProcessPrepare Your SmokerPreheat to exactly 225°FAdd chosen wood chipsFill water panAllow temperature to stabilize (15-20 minutes)Smoking TechniquePlace chicken breasts on grates with 2-inch spacingInsert meat thermometer if usingClose smoker quickly to maintain temperatureSmoke at 225°F for approximately 1.5-2 hoursSpritz with apple juice every 45 minutesCook until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Finishing StepsTemperature CheckVerify 165°F in thickest partRemove from smoker immediatelyAvoid overcookingResting PeriodTent loosely with foilRest for 10-15 minutesTemperature will rise slightlySlice against the grain
Notes
Nutritional Information
Per 6 oz serving of this smoked chicken breast recipe:- Calories: 165
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g