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smoked chicken breast recipe

Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy and flavorful smoked chicken breast recipe that's easy to make and perfect for any meal, from BBQs to quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Marinating time (optional) 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tbsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tbsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Equipment

  • Smoker or pellet grill
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Aluminum foil (optional)
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with olive oil.
  3. Mix the rub: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
  4. Season chicken evenly on all sides.
  5. Place in smoker and cook for 60–75 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve.
    7. Tip: Use apple or cherry wood for a slightly sweet smoky flavor.

Notes

This smoked chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken with a perfectly balanced BBQ rub made from brown sugar, smoked paprika, and savory spices. Slowly smoked at low temperature, the chicken absorbs rich wood flavor while staying tender and moist. Ideal for pellet grills, electric smokers, or traditional BBQ smokers, this easy smoked chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or backyard cookouts.