Chicken Breast Smoked on a Pit Boss (7 SUPER Simple Steps)

Juicy, smoky, and oh-so-delicious! 

This smoked chicken recipe is ABSOLUTLY DECLIOUS!

But chicken breast can be notoriously dry when cooked so make sure you follow my simple steps below for juicy smoked chicken.

Why Make Smoked Chicken Breast?

Why not smoke your chicken breasts?

Deliciously tender chicken meat touched with gorgeous smoky flavors is a taste sensation!

Smoking low and slow guarantees you’ll always have tender, juicy chicken.

How to Dry Brine the Chicken Breasts Before Smoking?

Coating your chicken overnight in a dry brine is the best way to tenderize the chicken to ensure moist, tender meat.

As a bonus, if you leave the skin on, it will crisp up beautifully on the grill.

Rinse and dry the breasts, then sprinkle all over with kosher salt.  

Layer out on a wire rack placed on a baking tray and leave the whole thing in the refrigerator overnight. 

A wire rack is great, as it allows the air to flow around the entire chicken.

Dry brine works in two ways.

Firstly, the moisture that forms on the surface will be reabsorbed back into the flesh.

This keeps the insides nice and moist.

Secondly, the skin surface will dry out and crisp up in the smoker. Crispy chicken skin is the best!

The next day, wipe off the surface to remove any excess salt and liquid. Pat the chicken dry with a damp paper towel.

What Rub Should You Use for Smoked Chicken Breasts?

Barbecue rubs and seasonings work so well with chicken. Before I add the rub I always apply a binder like oil or mustard to the chicken. This helps keep the meat moist as well as ensure the seasoning sticks to the meat.

You can choose whether to keep the skin on or use skinless chicken breast.

Anything goes, so use your favorite seasoning or favorite sauce!

How to Smoke Chicken Breasts on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill

First of all, get your pellet grill set up to smoke and filled with your favorite flavor of pellets.

While your smoker is heating up, prepare your chicken breasts.

Start by brushing them with a binder, then coat all sides with your chosen seasonings.

If you have time, do this an hour or so before smoking to let the flavors develop.

When your smoker and chicken are ready, place them on the pellet grill grates and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F

What Temp to Cook Chicken Breast on Pit Boss?

The optimal temperature for smoking is chicken breast is 225°F – 250°F. Make sure you allow time to preheat your smoker before placing then on the grill.

Smoking chicken is best done at lower temperatures. That gives it time to absorb the smoke and keeps the meat tender and juicy.

What Internal Temperature Your Smoked Chicken Breasts Need to Reach?

You want the internal temps to reach 165°F. You can check this with a temperature probe or meat thermometer.

Always check the temperature of the thickest part of the chicken.

Looking for a Chicken Wing Recipe?

If you prefer chicken wings over breasts don’t worry!

Here is our tried and tested smokey chicken wings.

It is a super simpler 6 steps to a delicious dinner or snack!

The Best Wood Pellets for Smoking Chicken Breasts on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill

Chicken breast tends to work best with fruitwoods such as apple, peach, and cherry, or mild woods such as pecan, alder, or oak. Chicken can absorb smoke flavors much faster than red meats, so you want to go for a subtle flavor.

Strong wood chips like hickory or mesquite are too overpowering.

So, unless you like an aggressive smoke flavor it’s best to steer clear of these.

What Can I Serve Smoked Chicken Breast With?

Below are some of the my favorite sides for smoked chicken breast

Cheesy Potatoes

Smoked Mac and Cheese

Smoked Cauliflower

For more ideas; see what to serve with BBQ chicken

What to Do With Smoked Chicken Breast?

They are so many ways to enjoy smoked chicken breast, below are some of my favorites!

Smoked Chicken Salad

Smoked Chicken Tacos

Or use it in another meal – chopped up in pasta dishes, sliced in wraps or fajitas.  

What You Need for Smoked Chicken Breasts

Chicken Breast

Sodium Soy Sauce

Olive oil

Garlic

Ginger root

Brown sugar 

Zesty Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe

Step 1 – How to Make Marinade For Chicken

Remove the skin from the garlic cloves and ginger.

Grate the ginger and garlic.

Mix the ginger, garlic, soy sauce, oil, and brown sugar.

Step 2 – How to Marinate the Chicken

Place the marinade in a container or zip lock bag.

Place in the chicken breasts.

Ensure the entire chicken breast pieces are covered with marinade mix.

Place the bag in the refrigerator and let sit for 5-6 hours, or overnight.

Step 3 – Prepare the Smoker

Pre-heat the smoker pellet grill to 225°F.

Fill with the chosen type of wood chips.

Step 4 – Smoke the Chicken

Place the chicken on the grill grates, in indirect heat.

Smoke until the internal temperatures reach 165°F.

Check with a digital thermometer or meat probe thermometer.

Step 5 – Serve the Chicken

Once the chicken has cooked, remove it from the grill.

Leave it for 10-15 minutes of rest.

Serve and enjoy!

Smoked chicken breast is such a great, healthy meal that can be made with very little fuss.

Try this smoky chicken recipe for a fresh twist!

Smoke On!

Charlie

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