Smoked Chicken Breast
User Reviews
5.0
30 reviews
Excellent
-
Cook Time
1 hr mins
-
Additional Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
-
Servings
4 servings
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Calories
275 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Smoked Chicken Breast
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Take a break from baking and grilling, and try Smoked Chicken Breast for even more flavor and ultra-juicy and tender results. Learn how to make chicken that's infused with smoky flavor. Then I'm dishing up my favorite smoked chicken recipes that put the protein to delicious use.
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Ingredients
For the brine:
- 1 gallon water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 lemon sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon homemade dry rub or store-bought (see note 1)
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Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, salt, bay leaves, lemon, thyme, garlic, and sage, stirring often until sugar dissolves, about 7 to 10 minutes. Cool completely and add to a large bowl or other container.
- Add the chicken to the container with the brine, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Ensure the chicken stays submerged by placing a bag of ice or heavy plate on top of the chicken.
- Remove chicken from the brine and rinse to remove excess salt and spices. Rub the chicken with the oil and sprinkle on the dry rub, coating well on all sides.
- Bring the smoker up to 200 to 225 degrees. Place the chicken on grate and cover. Smoke until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees on a digital thermometer in the thickest part, about 75 minutes (see note 2). Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Homemade Dry Rub
- In a medium bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ground New Mexico chili (or ancho chili), 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chilies (optional), 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon coriander, and ½ teaspoon thyme (crushed).
- Transfer extra chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Homemade Dry Rub: If you have another seasoning blend you prefer, of course feel free to swap that in. Here's my favorite spice blend to coat boneless skinless chicken breasts: In a medium bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ground New Mexico chili (or ancho chili), 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon ground chipotle chilies (optional), 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon coriander, and ½ teaspoon thyme (crushed).
- Yield: This recipe makes about 5 cups of Smoked Chicken, enough for 4 entree-sized servings.
- Storage: Transfer extra chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
1 breast
Calories
275kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
30g
(10%)
Protein
25g
(50%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
72mg
(24%)
Sodium
3010mg
(125%)
Potassium
485mg
(14%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
26g
(52%)
Vitamin A
93IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
18mg
(20%)
Calcium
71mg
(7%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 275 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 breast | |
| Calories | 275kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 3010mg | 125% |
| Potassium | 485mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 26g | 52% |
| Vitamin A | 93IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 71mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
30 reviews
Excellent
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