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–+ servings
Maya

Smoked Chicken Breast: Discover the Secret to Juiciness!

Discover the secret to perfectly moist smoked chicken breast with this easy recipe.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 1 cup chicken broth for brining
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar for brining
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt for brining
  • Wood chips for smoking hickory or applewood recommended

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the chicken broth, brown sugar, and kosher salt until dissolved. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the brine over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
  2. Preheat your smoker to 225°F. If using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect heat and add wood chips to the coals.
  3. Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Discard the brine.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  5. Place the chicken breasts in the smoker and smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
  6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture.
  7. Slice and serve the chicken with your favorite sides.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 38gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 500mgSugar: 1g

Notes

  • For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce for an hour before smoking.
  • If you don’t have a smoker, you can achieve a similar flavor by using a stovetop smoker or grilling the chicken on indirect heat with wood chips wrapped in foil.

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