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Smoked Chicken Breast is one of my favorite easy dinner ideas, especially when celebrating. It’ simple, juicy, and full of smoky flavor. It’s a foolproof way to turn basic chicken into something special with just a few pantry spices.
“This is some of the best chicken I’ve ever had. The smoker adds so much flavor!”
-Mark
This chicken breast recipe works so well on the pellet smoker and couldn’t be simpler. The chicken is seasoned, smoked low and slow, and turns out incredibly juicy every time. The seasoning mix comes together in minutes, so it’s perfect for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner. Once it’s seasoned and cooking, let the smoker do all the work!
If you like this recipe, check out this cheesy Cowboy Chicken, Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs, Homemade Beanie Weenies, Smoked Pork Tenderloin, or my go to recipes or easy sides, Baked Mac and Cheese and Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers.
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
- Make it smoky: Add brown sugar to your chicken for a sweet and smoky twist.
- Use bone-in chicken breasts: Add 30–45 minutes to the smoke time.
- Barbecue style: Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 10 minutes.
- Spicy rub: Add cayenne or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Herb blend: Toss in thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
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.
Serve with your favorite side dish, like these Roasted Potatoes, or have a simple dessert after like an Easy Strawberry Dump Cake, a Minty Grasshopper Pie, or this simple no bake Coconut Delight.
Expert Tips
- Cook time varies – thicker breasts may take closer to 1 hour 45 minutes
- Let it rest so the juices stay inside
- Pellet smokers make it easy – just set the temp and let it go
- No need to flip – the smoker’s even heat cooks the chicken through without turning
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking
- For a golden, crispy finish, after smoking, give the chicken a quick sear in a hot skillet or on the grill for a little extra flavor and a lightly crisp edge.
Smoked Chicken Breast FAQs
Yes, any smoker will work. Just aim for 225 degrees F and smoke until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
If you have leftovers, let them cool first, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage, up to 3 months.
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.
More Easy Dinners
Halloween Recipes
Mummy Hot Dogs
Smoker and BBQ Recipes
Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Smoker and BBQ Recipes
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Holidays
Roasted Turkey
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
- Cook time varies – thicker breasts may take closer to 1 hour 45 minutes
- Let it rest so the juices stay inside
- Pellet smokers make it easy – just set the temp and let it go
- No need to flip – the smoker’s even heat cooks the chicken through without turning
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking
- For a golden, crispy finish, after smoking, give the chicken a quick sear in a hot skillet or on the grill for a little extra flavor and a lightly crisp edge.
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.