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Smoked BBQ Chicken Breast Recipe

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This Smoked BBQ Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with the rich flavors of smoked paprika and wood smoke, finished with a sticky BBQ sauce glaze. Slow-smoked at a low temperature, this dish is perfect for barbecue lovers seeking a smoky, flavorful meal with a simple prep and delicious results.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 oz each)

Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken breasts dry. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes even smoking.
  2. Season: Rub the chicken breasts all over with olive oil. Then evenly coat each breast with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring a good spice layer for flavor and color.
  3. Prepare Smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Add wood chips like apple, cherry, or hickory to create a fragrant smoke that complements the chicken.
  4. Smoke Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the smoker grates. Close the lid and let them smoke until their internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours. This low and slow method imparts smoky flavor while cooking gently.
  5. Glaze and Finish: Brush the smoked chicken breasts with BBQ sauce and continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they're safe to eat and coated in delicious sauce.
  6. Rest: Remove the chicken from the smoker and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat when served.

Notes

  • Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperatures for perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Wood chips like apple, cherry, or hickory enhance the smoky flavor; experiment to find your favorite.
  • Resting the chicken after smoking is essential to keep it juicy.
  • Serve extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping or additional glazing.
  • Adjust smoking time depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/smoked-bbq-chicken-breast-recipe/