How Long to Smoke Chicken Breast: A Comprehensive Guide for Perfectly Smoked Poultry

Curious to know how many minutes or hours to smoke the chicken breast to get that perfect juicy piece? Here in this guide from (add brand name here), we will guide you through the whole process starting from preheating your smoker, to the right internal temperature. You may be new to smoking or an experienced smoker, our easy-to-follow guide will assist you in mastering how to smoke chicken breast. If you want to know how to smoke chicken breast to perfection, you should scroll down to read this article to find the best way for you.

What is Smoked Boneless Chicken Breast?

Smoked boneless chicken breast is one of the most delicious ways to prepare chicken since the smoke from the grill imparts a deep flavor to the meat and also makes the chicken moist and succulent. In this case, the chicken breast is cooked at a very slow rate using low heat which makes it take the flavor of the wood chips used in smoking. 

Besides improving the taste, this method also provides the chicken with a different, delicious mouthfeel. Smoked boneless chicken breast is an all-time favorite recipe for all beginners and professional chefs as it can be marinated with different rubs and spices and it can be enjoyed at any time.

How Long to Smoke Chicken Breast

The process of smoking chicken breast typically takes about 1 hour. Nevertheless, it is necessary to pay attention to the temperature inside the oven rather than the time taken to cook. Another tip is to use an instant-read meat thermometer because it helps one know if the chicken is well cooked. Most individuals find themselves with dry or undercooked chicken breasts because they do not use a good thermometer.

It is also recommended that you monitor your chicken as it is on the smoker. The chicken should be smoked until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 160^oF. Then it should be covered with foil and let to rest until the temperature reaches 165^oF. Smoking time can range from 50 minutes to 1.5 hours or even more depending on the size of the chicken breasts, type of smoker, and heat distribution.

How Long to Smoke Chicken Breast at 225

Generally, it will take roughly 1 hour for the grilled chicken breast when it is cooked at 225^oF for 1.5 to 2 hours. The important thing to remember is that the internal temperature of the meat must reach 160^oF before the meat is removed from the smoker and allowed to cool to about 165^oF.

How Long to Smoke Chicken Breast at 250

Smoking chicken breast at 250^oF will take approximately 1 to 1,5 hours. Again, concentrate on the internal temperature, preferably 160^oF before pulling the chicken out of the smoker and letting it set for 10 minutes before it reaches 165^oF.

How Long to Smoke Chicken Breast at 300

Grilling a chicken breast at 300^oF will take roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour of cooking time. Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken is 160^oF then take out the chicken from the grilling process and put a foil on it for about 10 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165^oF.

How Long to Smoke Stuffed Chicken Breast

Smoking stuffed chicken breast takes a little longer, approximately 1,5 to 2 hours at 225^oF also, do not forget to check the internal temperature of the stuffing and chicken. Both should take approximately one hour and should be removed from the smoker when they are 160^oF and should rest until they are 165^oF.

How to Smoke Chicken Breast: Tools, Ingredients and Preparation

This Smoked Chicken Breast recipe provides juicy and smoky chicken breasts that are simple and perfect for any occasion. From a busy midweek day when you have no time to cook to a large crowd of people at the backyard barbecue, this recipe has you covered. You simply require chicken and some of my famous chicken seasoning which has received an award and you are set to make the best chicken breast.

Time and Servings

Equipment

• 1 Wood Pellet Grill (or any other quality smoker)

Ingredients

• 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 tablespoons Traeger Fin & Feather Rub
• 1 stick unsalted butter

You also can smoke chicken breast pairs well with:

• Grilled vegetables
• Cornbread
• Potato salad
• Coleslaw
• Baked beans

Nutrition Information 

Smoked chicken breast nutritional information includes:

Instructions

Here are the steps that will help you get the best-smoked chicken breasts. Every process guarantees that your chicken is tender, tasty, and well done to the agreed level.

• Preheat: Preheat your smoker to 225^oF using your preferred hardwood. I find that oak complemented with a fruitwood such as cherry or apple to be the best since it has a strong flavor.
• Season: Spoon olive oil over the chicken breasts and then spread it around on the chicken. Coat each chicken breast with the Sprinkle Chicken Rub on both sides. If you do not have Chicken Rub, refer to the notes section for a link to my Lemon Herb Chicken Seasoning.
• Smoke: Arrange the chicken breasts on the grill without using a grill pan or having them sit on a rack. Take around 1 hour or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat is 160^oF.
• Rest: Remove the chicken from the smoker. Cover it with foil and allow it to sit for some time to increase the internal temperature to 165^oF because of the carry over cooking.
• Dig in: Once the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165^oF, then slice, serve, and eat.

Smoked Chicken Temperature

The doneness of the chicken is however best described by the internal temperature of the chicken when smoked. Following is a checklist that will help you cook your chicken breasts to the required tenderness.

• 140°F Internal Temp: The chicken breasts should be cooked at 140°F when done; then, place them on the grill. Coat each breast with aluminum foil and place a little butter on it.
• Raise Smoker Temp: Raise the temperature of your smoker to 350°F and then place back the chicken breasts to the smoker wrapped.

165°F Internal Temp: Cook the chicken until it is smoked which means smoking the chicken until it is done which simply means cooking the chicken up to a temperature of 165°F. This normally takes an extra 20 minutes, because the one that is not being used has to be warmed up so that the temperature is the same as the one being used.

How to Smoke Chicken Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chicken breast is not very difficult to smoke as compared to other parts of the chicken because there are not many procedures that are followed. You just need chicken, seasonings, and time, that is all that is needed to have this dish. Follow these steps to get juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken every time: 

Step 1: Preheat the Smoker

First of all, the smoker should be preheated to 225^oF. Oak or a fruit wood such as cherry or apple will give your chicken a deep rich flavor. Ensure that your smoker is ready and clean to avoid transferring other tastes and smells to your food.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you wish to brine your chicken, remove it from the brine, pat it dry, and then apply olive oil to it. Last but not least, you can sprinkle some homemade chicken seasoning or else add any seasoning that you have purchased from the market.

Step 3: Get Smoking

Place the chicken breasts directly on the barbecues without placing them in a grill pan or basket. Cook the chicken on the grill for about one hour or until done to a temperature of 160^oF.

Step 4: Checking Temperature and Wrapping

When the internal temperature of the chicken is at 140°F, it should then be taken off the grill. Season each breast with aluminum foil with a pat of butter on top.

Step 5: Finishing the Smoke

Increase the smoker temperature to 350°F and return the chicken breasts to the smoker wrapped. Keep smoking the chicken until it is thoroughly cooked inside, with an internal temperature of 165°F. This normally takes an extra 20 minutes.

Step 6: Resting and Serving

Take the chicken out of the smoker and put a foil over it. Allow the chicken to rest so the internal temperature can equilibrate to 165°F. Finally, cut and enjoy your well-smoked chicken breast.

If you follow these steps to the letter, you will be able to cook juicy, tender, and smoky chicken breasts each time you start smoking.

Other Smoked Grilled Dishes

Check out these other great smoked dishes to take your barbeque to the next level. Both are delicious and different from each other and suitable for different occasions.

• Smoke Brisket: Get evenly cooked, juicy meat with a deep char that is perfect for barbecuing in large groups.
• Smoke Ribs: Delight in tender ribs that are smoked to perfection, perfect for barbeque lovers.
• Smoke a Pork Butt: Get tender, moist and tasty pulled pork that can be used for sandwiches or tacos.
• Smoke Salmon: Add a smoky taste to the salmon while ensuring that the fish is moist and tender when done.
• Smoke a Spatchcock Turkey: Spatchcock your turkey before smoking to have a well-cooked through, tender meat accompanied by a crunchy skin.
• Smoke a Brisket on a Pit Boss: A Pit Boss grill will help to cook your brisket evenly and achieve that perfect smoke ring.

What Makes This the Best Smoked Chicken Breast

Smoking adds incredible flavor, but this recipe stands out for several reasons:

• Perfectly Seasoned: Skinless chicken breasts are without bones and skin and require some sort of flavoring, which is where my dry rub recipe comes in. The smoke also helps the seasoning and the chicken becomes delicious and full of taste.
• Juicy: Chicken breasts tend to become dry but when smoked at low temperatures, the result is tender and juicy chicken breasts. Everyone loves tender and tasty chicken!
• Easy: If you are a beginner and do not know how to smoke, then this recipe will be very helpful to you. It’s easy to do and virtually impossible to screw up, which positions you well to smoke other foods, such as chicken wings or pork butt.

Conclusion

The smoking process of chicken breast is very sensitive and requires keen observation and knowledge of how long to smoke chicken breast to achieve the best results. With the help of the guidelines and tips provided in this guide, you will be able to prepare mouth-watering tender juicy chicken breast that is infused with a smoky flavor. Just to reiterate, the key here is to keep practicing and to try out different things and see what will work best in your specific situation. Happy smoking!