How to Make Smoked Chicken Breasts - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's nothing quite like the juicy, smoky flavor of perfectly cooked chicken breasts. If you're looking for a way to elevate your chicken game, then look no further than smoked chicken breasts. This recipe takes the classic chicken breast and infuses it with a delicious, smoky flavor that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Whether you're a seasoned smoker pro or a complete beginner, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your next cookout or family dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • ¼ cup kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts
  • maple wood chips
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Information

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hrs
  • Additional Time: 4 hrs
  • Total Time: 8 hrs 5 mins
  • Servings: 3

  • Gather all ingredients.
  • Make brine: Combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar in a large bowl. Stir until salt and brown sugar are dissolved. Place chicken breasts into brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to overnight.
  • Preheat an electric smoker according to manufacturer's directions to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C) using maple wood chips.
  • Remove chicken breasts from brine and rinse under cold water. Pat dry and set aside.
  • Make rub: Combine brown sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Sprinkle dry rub all over chicken breasts and place skin-side up on a grill rack in the preheated smoker. Place a drip pan underneath.
  • Smoke chicken breasts in the preheated smoker until chicken is no longer pink and the juices run clear, about 4 hours, adding maple wood chips as necessary to keep the smoke continuous. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Nutrition

    729 cal.

    • Total Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 345mg
    • Sodium: 8681mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 14g
    • Protein: 126g
    • Vitamin C: 1mg
    • Calcium: 89mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 1099mg