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Smoked Chicken Breast

Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 2 lbs total
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)
  • Wood chips (hickory or apple)
  • Cooking oil spray

Method
 

  1. Dissolve the 1/4 cup kosher salt and 2 tbsp brown sugar in 4 cups water with the smashed garlic and peppercorns. Submerge the chicken, cover, and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours.
  2. Remove chicken, discard brine, and pat very dry. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne, then coat the chicken all over.
  3. Set your smoker to 225°F (110°C) and add wood chips. Oil the grates, place the chicken on, and smoke until an instant-read thermometer reads 160°F in the thickest part, about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
  4. Rest the chicken on a cutting board for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve.

Notes

The brining time is not included in the prep; budget at least an extra hour. For the cleanest smoke, use dry wood chips and wait for the smoke to turn thin and blue before adding the chicken to the smoker.