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This Smoked Chicken Breast is juicy, tender, and packed with smoky flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and no brining required, it’s an easy smoker recipe that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep.
“This is some of the best chicken I’ve ever had. The smoker adds so much flavor!”
-Mark
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This smoked chicken breast is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. There’s no brining, wrapping, or complicated prep required, and the simple seasoning lets the smoky flavor shine. It’s also perfect for meal prep because the leftovers can be used in so many different meals.
If you like this recipe, check out this cheesy Cowboy Chicken, Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs, Homemade Beanie Weenies, Smoked Pork Tenderloin. Or, try my go-to recipes or easy sides like this creamy Baked Mac and Cheese and Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Will Need
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts – 1 to 1 1/2 pounds.
- Olive oil – Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken from drying out.
- Smoked paprika – Brings that deep smoky flavor.
- Garlic powder – Adds extra flavor.
- Onion powder – Balances the seasonings.
- Kosher salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
- Black pepper – A touch of heat to round it out.
A full list of ingredients is included in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet and Smoky: Add brown sugar to the seasoning for a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.
- Bone-In Chicken Breasts: Bone-in chicken breasts can also be used. Add approximately 30–45 minutes to the smoking time and cook to the proper internal temperature.
- Barbecue Style: Brush the chicken breasts with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of smoking.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a little extra heat.
- Herb Seasoned: Add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for an herby flavor.
How to Make Smoked Chicken Breast
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 225 degrees F. (Pellets like apple, cherry, or pecan work great for chicken.) Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat the chicken with paper towels, then brush the chicken with olive oil. Be sure to coat all sides with the seasoning blend.
- Place the chicken directly on the smoker grates, close the lid, and smoke for 90 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and remove the chicken at 165 degrees F.
- If using thicker chicken, or if you prefer, remove at 160 degrees F, and while it’s resting, let the carryover heat bring it to a safe 165 degrees F while keeping it extra juicy. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Smoked chicken breast is easy to turn into a complete meal. Serve it with this baked mac and cheese, roasted green beans, crispy roasted potatoes, or these soft dinner rolls on the side.
Leftovers are also great sliced and added to sandwiches, wraps, salads, pasta, or meal-prep bowls.
Storage
Store leftover smoked chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, let the chicken cool completely and freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
To reheat the chicken without drying it out, warm it gently and add a small amount of broth or water if needed.
Expert Tips
- Watch the Cook Time: Thicker chicken breasts may take closer to 1 hour 45 minutes, so use the internal temperature as your guide.
- Let It Rest: Rest the chicken before slicing to help keep the juices inside.
- Use a Pellet Smoker: Pellet smokers make this recipe especially easy. Set the temperature and let the smoker do the work.
- No Need to Flip: The smoker’s even heat cooks the chicken without needing to turn it.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check the thickest part of the chicken to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Give It a Quick Sear: For a golden, lightly crisp exterior, sear the smoked chicken briefly in a hot skillet or on the grill before serving.
Smoked Chicken Breast FAQs
Yes, any smoker will work. Just aim for 225 degrees F and smoke until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Wrap leftover chicken in foil and warm in a 300 degree F oven until heated through, or reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth.
Boneless chicken breasts generally take about 1½ to 1¾ hours at 225 degrees F. Larger or thicker chicken breasts may take longer, so always check the internal temperature before removing them from the smoker.
You don’t need to flip the chicken breasts while they’re smoking. Leaving them in place allows them to cook slowly while absorbing plenty of smoky flavor.
More Easy Dinners
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If you have tried this recipe or any others from Celebrating Simply, I’d love it if you would leave a ⭐ star rating and share your thoughts in the ✍️ comments below. Your feedback means a lot!
Smoked Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Smoker I used a pellet smoker
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 225 degrees F. (Pellets like apple, cherry, or pecan work great for chicken.)
- Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat the chicken with paper towels, then brush the chicken with olive oil, then coat all sides with the seasoning blend.
- Place the chicken directly on the smoker grates, close the lid, and smoke for 90 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and remove the chicken at 165 degrees F. Or, remove at 160 degrees F, and while it's resting, let the carryover heat bring it to a safe 165 degrees F while keeping it extra juicy.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I love this recipe, thanks for sharing
I’ve tried this and it’s the best smoked chicken I’ve had. Thanks for the recipe!
I’ve tried this and it’s the best smoked chicken I’ve had. Thanks for the recipe!
Want to have a recipe for a summer BBQ or family gathering, this is it, the chicken is delicious. So so good!!!
This is really delicious! I think it’s perfect for any celebration or family gathering.