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    Home » Newest Recipes! » Dinner » Smoked Chicken Breast

    Smoked Chicken Breast

    Published: Nov 25, 2021 · Modified: Mar 17, 2023 by Aubrey · This post may contain affiliate links

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    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.

    smoked chicken breast sliced on a plate.

    This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through this link (at no extra cost to you).

    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 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!

    Top with 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

    smoked chicken breast recipe with corn, bbq sauce and coleslaw on a plate.

    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

    pellet grill chicken breast on a plate with corn and coleslaw.

    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

    1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
    2. Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and rub evenly. Sprinkle dry rub seasoning mixture evenly over chicken breasts.
    3. Place the chicken breasts in the smoker or pellet grill.
    4. 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.
    5. Optional: If you wish to baste with barbeque sauce, baste when the internal temperature reaches 155°F.
    6. 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

    pit boss chicken breast with corn and parsley garnish.
    Do I need to brine the chicken before smoking it?

    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.

    Can I smoke frozen chicken breasts?

    I do not recommend smoking frozen chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to slowly defrost in the refrigerator overnight before smoking.

    What type of wood should I use for smoking chicken?

    Some of the best woods for smoking chicken include apple, cherry, hickory and mesquite.

    traeger smoked chicken breast sliced on a plate with barbeque side dishes.

    Best side dishes for smoked chicken breast

    • Best Roasted Asparagus
    • Whole30 Mashed Potatoes
    • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Kalamata Olive Salad Dressing
    • Healthy Mushroom Soup

    Hungry for more? Subscribe to my EMAIL NEWSLETTER and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for all of the latest delicious food!

    You can also comment below. I LOVE hearing from you! If you loved the recipe, a 5 STAR RATING is the ultimate compliment as food is my love language!

    smoked chicken breast recipe with corn, bbq sauce and coleslaw on a plate.

    Smoked Chicken Breast (Traeger, Pit Boss and More!)

    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.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner, lunch
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 572kcal
    Author: Aubrey
    Cost: $6

    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.
    • 1 Meat Thermometer

    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

    This recipe works for all brands and types of smokers including Traeger, Pit Boss, Weber, Masterbuilt, Camp Chef, Yoder, Green Mountain Grills, 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

    Nutrition

    Calories: 572kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 19g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 1315mg | Potassium: 682mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2047IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AubreysHealthyKitchen or tag #aubreyshealthykitchen!
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    About Aubrey

    My name is Aubrey. I am a busy lawyer and momma. While I am passionate about both, I have a place in my heart for great food and want to share it with other food lovers!

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    My name is Aubrey. I am a busy lawyer and momma. While I am passionate about both, I have a place in my heart for great food and want to share it with other food lovers! And for some more super top-secret fun facts....

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