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

Juicy, smoky, and oh-so-delicious! 

Smoked chicken is to die for.

But chicken breast can be notoriously dry when cooked, so will the pit boss grill be up to the task?

Follow on to learn how to get the very best from your chicken breasts.

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.

Dry Brine the Chicken Breasts to Smoke on the Pit Boss

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.

Favorite Rubs and Sauces for Pit Boss Smoked Chicken Breasts

Barbecue rubs and seasonings work so well with chicken. Especially with the smoky flavor added.

Or brush with BBQ sauce for a moisture injection.

Something like lemon pepper, chicken seasoning, onion powder, or cayenne pepper also adds great flavors.

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

For something a little more simple, use kosher salt and black pepper.  You can leave the smoking process to add flavor.

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 light coating of vegetable oil.

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 you’re done!

What Are the Best Times and Temps for Smoking Chicken Breasts?

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

Set the grill at medium heat of around 225-250°F for best results. 

The cooking times will be longer, but the extra time will be worth it.  

Cook the breasts in indirect heat, to prevent burning and drying out.

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

Always check the thickest part of the chicken.

Prefer Chicken Wing?

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

White meat like poultry tends to work best with subtle, sweet flavors.

They absorb smoke flavors much faster than red meats.

Keep the smoky flavors light.

Use wood chips like fruit woods for chicken (apple, peach, and cherry), or mild woods such as pecan, alder, or oak.

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?

Chicken breast is such a versatile meal.

Eat it whole, with smoked baked vegetables, or with a fresh salad in warmer weather.

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

For more ideas; see what to serve with BBQ chicken

Zesty Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic

1 fresh ginger root

2 tablespoons brown sugar 

Method:

Step 1 – Prepare the Marinade

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 – 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

Hungry For More?