Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe: A Delicious Guide to Smoking Chicken

The Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken with a smoky twist. As someone who loves cooking and experimenting with flavors, I’ve found that smoking bone-in chicken breasts yields a perfectly juicy result. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe will always give you the perfect smoked chicken. Let’s dive into the details and explore how to make the Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe yourself!

Ingredients for the Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe

Before we get into the smoking process, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
• Wood chips or chunks (apple, cherry, tomato, avocado or hickory wood works best)

Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe

1. Prepping the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick better. Rub the chicken with olive oil to create a layer for the dry rub to adhere to. Season the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if you want a little heat.

2. Preheat the Smoker

While prepping the chicken, preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). The goal is to simmer the chicken at a low temperature to get that smoky flavor without drying it out. Add your preferred wood chips (apple or cherry wood adds a mild, sweet taste).

3. Smoking the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the smoker, leaving enough space between them for the smoke to circulate each piece. Close the smoker lid and let the chicken cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.

4. Baste the Chicken (Optional)

If you prefer a slightly sweeter, saucy finish, you can baste the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce or a honey glaze during the last 30 minutes of smoking. This step is optional but adds a nice flavor boost.

5. Let the Chicken Rest

Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, please remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps redistribute the juices, making the chicken more flavorful and tender.

Serving and Enjoying the Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe

Now that your chicken is perfectly smoked, it’s time to serve! The Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe pairs beautifully with various sides like mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. Spoon the chicken onto a plate or carve it off the bone for a juicy, tender bite. Encourage your guests or family to savor each spoonful of the warm and comforting recipe.

Here are some Chef’s Tips to help you perfect the Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe

1. Use a Meat Thermometer

Why? It’s crucial to cook the chicken to the proper internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy.

Tip: Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken breast. This will ensure it’s tender and moist without being undercooked or dry.

2. Brine for Extra Juiciness

Why? Brining helps retain moisture during smoking, especially for bone-in chicken breasts, which can dry out more quickly.

Tip: If you have time, brine the chicken for at least 1-2 hours before smoking. Use a simple brine with water, salt, sugar, and optional spices. This step will help keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.

3. Season Generously

Why? Seasoning is critical to infusing flavor into the meat.

Tip: Rub your chicken with salt and spices, and coat all sides evenly. Remember to season under the skin to bring out the flavor of the meat!

4. Let the Chicken Rest Before Smoking

Why? Allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before smoking helps it cook more evenly.

Tip: Remove the chicken from the fridge 20-30 minutes before placing it on the smoker. This will help the chicken cook more uniformly.

5. Control the Temperature of the Smoker

Why? Consistent smoking temperature is vital for evenly cooked chicken with the perfect smoky flavor.

Tip: Maintain a smoker temperature between 225°F and 250°F (107°C to 121°C). Too high a temperature can cause the chicken to dry out, while too low can make it take longer to cook.

6. Choose the Right Wood for Smoking

Why? The wood you choose will significantly affect the flavor of the chicken.

Tip: Use apple or cherry wood for a mild, sweet smoke. Hickory is an excellent option for a more robust, smoky flavor. Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes before adding them to the smoker for a longer, steady smoke.

7. Baste for Extra Flavor and Moisture

Why? Basting adds extra flavor and helps lock in moisture during the smoking process.

Tip: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, brush it with a light glaze of BBQ sauce, honey, or a butter-based basting sauce. This will create a delicious outer layer of flavor.

8. Let the Chicken Rest After Smoking

Why? Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.

Tip: After removing the chicken from the smoker, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This ensures the juices stay inside the meat rather than running out when cutting it.

9. Don’t Overcrowd the Smoker

Why? Proper air circulation is necessary for even cooking and smoke penetration.

Tip: Arrange the chicken so there is enough space around each piece for smoke to circulate. This will ensure that each piece of chicken is evenly cooked and adequately smoked.

10. Experiment with Dry Rubs and Marinades

Why? Dry rubs and marinades can add depth of flavor and enhance the overall smoking experience.

Tip: Try different spices, herbs, or citrus combinations in your rubs and marinades. For example, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a little sugar can provide a sweet and savory balance. Experiment to find your perfect blend!

By following these chef’s tips, you’ll ensure your Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe comes out perfect every time, with a smoky flavor and juicy, tender meat!

The nutrition information for the Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe 

Nutrition Information for 1 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (approx. 4 oz serving)

Assuming you remove the skin after smoking, this is an estimation for the meat portion (if you prefer to leave the skin on, the fat content will be higher).

Calories:

• There are 200-230 calories per 4 oz serving (depending on whether you leave the skin on).

Protein:

• 30-35 grams of protein. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscles.

Fat:

• 6-8 grams of fat, including 1-2 grams of saturated fat (the fat content increases significantly if you leave the skin on).
• 1-1.5 grams of unsaturated fat (healthy fats).

Carbohydrates:

• 0 grams of carbohydrates. Chicken breast is naturally carb-free unless you add sauces or sugar to your rub.

Fiber:

• 0 grams of fiber. Chicken, like most meats, doesn’t contain any dietary fiber.

Cholesterol:

• 70-80 mg of cholesterol. Chicken contains moderate cholesterol, especially if you consume the skin.

Sodium:

• 50-60 mg of sodium, assuming you don’t brine the chicken or use a heavily salted rub. The sodium content will increase if you use a salt-heavy brine or seasoning.

Vitamins & Minerals:

• Vitamin B6: About 0.5 mg (25% of the daily value). This vitamin is essential for brain health and metabolism.
• Niacin (Vitamin B3): About 8-9 mg (40-45% of the daily value). Niacin is essential for energy production and skin health.
• Phosphorus: About 150-200 mg (15-20% of the daily value). Phosphorus plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health.
• Selenium: About 20-30 mcg (30-40% of the daily value). Selenium supports the immune system and acts as an antioxidant.

Summary per 4 oz (113g) serving of The Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe:

Nutrient Amount per Serving

Calories – 200-230

Protein  – 30-35 g

Total Fat – 6-8 g

Saturated Fat – 1-2 g

Carbohydrates – 0 g

Fiber – 0 g

Cholesterol – 70-80 mg

Sodium – 50-60 mg

Vitamin B6 – 0.5 mg

Niacin (Vitamin B3) – 8-9 mg

Phosphorus – 150-200 mg

Selenium – 20-30 mcg

Additional Notes:

• Skin-on vs. Skinless: The nutritional values of chicken will change depending on whether you leave the skin on. Smoking it with the skin on will add incredibly saturated fat.
• Brining and Sauces: Adding a salt-heavy brine or basting with BBQ sauce can significantly increase the sodium and sugar content.

This is a rough estimation for the Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe. If you plan to use sauces or additional ingredients, account for those in your nutrition calculations!

Here are some related recipe names that complement or are variations of the Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe

1. Smoked Chicken Thighs

If you enjoy the smoky flavor of chicken breasts, smoked chicken thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative with tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.

2. Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings

For a bite-sized option, smoked chicken wings with crispy skin and smoky flavor are always a hit at gatherings or as a snack.

3. Smoked BBQ Chicken

Smoked chicken, finished with tangy BBQ sauce, combines smoky and sweet flavors perfectly.

4. Smoked Herb-Crusted Chicken Breast

For a gourmet touch, infuse rosemary, thyme, and garlic to create a flavorful herb crust on your smoked chicken breasts.

5. Smoked Chicken with Lemon and Garlic

This is a simple, fresh recipe in which smoked chicken breasts are seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs for a zesty, fragrant finish.

6. Cajun-Spiced Smoked Chicken

This smoky, spicy version of smoked chicken with a Cajun seasoning rub is perfect for those who like a bit of heat with their smoky flavor.

7. Smoked Chicken Fajitas

Shredded smoked chicken served with sautéed peppers and onions wrapped in a warm tortilla for a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal.

8. Smoked Chicken with Honey Mustard Glaze

A sweet, tangy honey mustard glaze brushed on smoked chicken breasts balances flavors perfectly.

9. Applewood Smoked Chicken Breast

Using applewood chips in the smoker adds a mild, sweet flavor to the chicken, creating a delicious and aromatic meal.

10 .Smoked Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Combine smoked chicken with your favorite vegetables on skewers for a fun and customizable meal, perfect for grilling or smoking.

These recipes all incorporate the smoky, tender goodness of chicken and offer a variety of seasonings and flavor profiles for every palate!

FAQ: The Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe

Conclusion

The Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe perfectly creates a tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken with that delicious smoky taste. By following these simple steps of the Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe, you’ll enjoy a meal that will impress you. Whether hosting a family dinner or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, this Best Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breast Recipe will never disappoint. Give it a try and experience the best-smoked chicken you’ve ever had!