Smoked chicken breast is a game-changer for any BBQ enthusiast. Even as a beginner, smoking chicken breast on a Traeger pellet grill or Pit Boss gives you a tender and juicy chicken with delicious smoky flavor. This smoked boneless chicken breast recipe has the perfect dry seasoning rub and works on an electric smoker, charcoal smoker or gas smoker.
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This smoked chicken breast is the perfect mix of smoke, savory flavor and tender juiciness!
Perfect for a weekend BBQ or a weekday dinner, this smoked chicken breast will quickly become a new favorite. Speaking of easy, check out this Pan Seared Shrimp.
Speaking of delightful smoked meats, be sure to check out this smoked pork loin, smoked whole chicken, pork belly burnt ends and smoked salmon!
Smoked chicken breast is an absolute classic for a reason. Perfect for any occasion, from a big family barbecue, a small gathering with friends or easy meal prep for the week, this chicken covers all bases!
I love pairing this perfectly juicy smoked chicken breast with these grilled vegetables for the perfect healthy AND delicious combo!
Top with some fresh and satisfying Pineapple Pico de Gallo or a dollop of this Pesto without Pine Nuts for some extra flavor explosion!
Speaking of meal prep, be sure to check out How to Season a Blackstone Griddle so you can speed up your chicken meal prep in batches. Serious game changer!
Plus, when it comes to serving smoked chicken breast, the possibilities are endless. Keep it simple with a side of fresh veggies or use as a protein packed topping for your salad (roasted beet salad is my fav).
Slice it up and use it as a topping for pizzas or sandwiches or serve with a big ol’ mound of mashed potatoes and gravy!
Smoked boneless chicken breast is so versatile you can use it in virtually any recipe that uses cooked chicken.
Some of my favorite wood flavors that complement the chicken are hickory, mesquite and applewood!
Whether you are looking to make Traeger chicken breast, smoked boneless chicken breast, smoked stuffed chicken breast (spinach artichoke chicken), smoked bacon wrapped chicken breast, this easy chicken recipe has got you covered!
Pellet grill chicken breast is one of my favorite ways to make smoked chicken but electric smoker chicken breast is just as easy!
You can make a smoked chicken breast brine or use a dry rub, the sky is the limit!
Why this recipe works
Smoking the chicken breast infuses it with a delicious smoky flavor that simply can’t be beat. I am a fool for some smoked meat for sure! Also check out these smoked chicken legs!
Chicken breast is an amazing lean protein which makes is a great healthy option but also full of flavor! No one likes a boring meal. Chicken breast on pellet grill is easier than you would think!
You can use any type of smoker from gas to electric to pellet to charcoal. The keys to the castle are holding the smoking temperature of the smoker and cooking to temp.
Ingredients
Smoked Chicken Breast
- Chicken Breasts: Fresh or frozen.
- Olive Oil: Or any neutral oil of choice including vegetable, canola, avocado, peanut or grapeseed oil.
Smoked Chicken Breast (Seasoning)
- Smoked Paprika: You can also use sweet paprika or Hungarian paprika. Both work well on smoked chicken breasts.
- Onion Powder
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar has a stronger molasses flavor.
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Kosher Salt
- Cumin
- Back Pepper: Freshly ground is best if possible.
- Cayenne Pepper: Can also use crushed red pepper.
How long to smoke boneless chicken breast
Prepare Chicken Breasts
- If chicken breasts are frozen, defrost in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
Chicken Breast Dry Rub
- In a small bowl, mix together whole chicken seasoning dry rub (smoked or sweet paprika, onion powder, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, kosher salt and cayenne pepper).
Season and Smoke Chicken Breasts
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and rub evenly. Sprinkle dry rub seasoning mixture evenly over chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken breasts in the smoker or pellet grill.
- Maintaining a smoker temperature of 225°F, smoke the chicken breasts for approximately 1-1.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken meat reaches 165°F.
- Optional: If you wish to baste with barbeque sauce, baste when the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.
This recipe works for all brands and types of smokers including Traeger, Pit Boss, Weber, Masterbuilt, Camp Chef, Yoder and Green Mountain Grills.
Plus, the Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Dyna-Glo, Char-Broil, Bradley, Louisiana Grills, Char-Griller, Oklahoma Joe’s, Recteq and Primo.
Chicken Cooking Temperature:FDA recommendation for cooking chicken is an internal temperature of 165° F (63° C).
I recommend using a thermometer that measures the internal temperature of the meat as well as the internal temperature of the smoker.
Smoked Chicken Breast Dipping Sauces, Brines and Rubs
- Sweet and Spicy Wing Sauce
- Bang Bang Sauce
- Chicken Breast Brine
- Sriracha Aioli
- Herbaceous and Spicy Chimichurri
FAQ and expert tips
While not required, brining chicken before smoking is a great way to keep it moist and full of flavor! A brine with water, salt, brown sugar and herbs and spices is a great starting point.
I do not recommend smoking frozen chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to slowly defrost in the refrigerator overnight before smoking.
Some of the best woods for smoking chicken include apple, cherry, hickory and mesquite.
Best side dishes for smoked chicken breast
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Smoked Chicken Breast (Traeger, Pit Boss and More!)
Equipment
- 1 smoker Traeger, Pit Boss, Weber,Masterbuilt, Camp Chef, Yoder, Green Mountain Grills, Big Green Egg, KamadoJoe, Dyna-Glo, Char-Broil, Bradley, Louisiana Grills, Char-Griller, OklahomaJoe's, Recteq and Primo.
Ingredients
Smoked Chicken Breast
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Smoked Chicken Breast (Seasoning)
- 2 tablespoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- 2 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
Prepare Chicken Breasts
- If chicken breasts are frozen, defrost in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
Chicken Breast Dry Rub
- In a small bowl, mix together whole chicken seasoning dry rub (smoked or sweet paprika, onion powder, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, kosher salt and cayenne pepper).
Season and Smoke Chicken Breasts
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and rub evenly. Sprinkle dry rub seasoning mixture evenly over chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken breasts in the smoker or pellet grill.
- Maintaining a smoker temperature of 225°F, smoke the chicken breasts for approximately 1-1.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken meat reaches 165°F.
- Optional: If you wish to baste with barbeque sauce, baste when the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- Sweet and Spicy Wing Sauce
- Bang Bang Sauce
- Chicken Breast Brine
- Sriracha Aioli
- Herbaceous and Spicy Chimichurri
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