Pit Boss Smoked Chicken Thighs

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Looking for an epic way to cook your chicken thighs? This recipe is a winner. It’s seasoned with my favorite chicken rub and slathered in a BBQ honey glaze halfway through cooking.

These are perfect for a summer cookout, weeknight dinner, or to impress the in-laws. They are simple but deliver big flavors; they are some of the best-smoked chicken thighs you can make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

We are taking chicken thighs and making them epic! This recipe ensures you get super juicy, tender chicken with delicious caramelized skin.

This dish is also so versatile that you can serve it on weeknight dinners or save it for special occasions. It works well with so many different side dishes. I have listed a few of my favorites below.

What You’ll Need

Boneless Chicken Thighs
Olive oil
Chicken Rub (or use the ingredients below to make my award-winning rub)
Brown sugar
Salt
Smoked paprika
Cayenne powder
Onion powder
Cumin
Garlic pepper

How To Make Smoked Chicken Thighs on a Pit Boss

Step 1: Trim, Make The Rub And Season

Preheat your Pit Boss to 275°F. Trim the chicken thighs of any excess fat. You can remove the skin, but I recommend leaving it on.

Then, rub the olive oil all over the chicken thighs. Next, we will season the chicken. I have included my classic chicken rub below, but if you prefer, you can use a store-bought rub or a spicier Cajun blend. Coat the chicken in the rub.

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin

Step 2: Smoke and Baste

Place the chicken thighs on the grates, skin side up, and close the lid. Let the thighs smoke for 1- 1.5 hours until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Then, pull out the chicken and place it in a tray.

Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce and honey. Enough to cover the chicken (it doesn’t need to swim in it).

Then place the tray into the smoker until internal meat temp hits 175°F (about 20-30min). Rest for 20 minutes.

What is The Temperature Setting?

You should set your Pit Boss pellet grill to 275°F. I usually cook my chicken for an hour before removing and glazing it.

How Long to Smoke The Chicken Thighs

Smoking chicken thighs until ready should take 1 to 1.5 hours. However, the best way to judge how long it takes is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal meat temperature of the thighs.

Insert the temperature probe into the thickest part of the chicken thigh. The internal temperature of the meat should be 165°F for it to be safe to eat.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover chicken thighs can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the chicken to defrost in the fridge. You can use the microwave; however, I recommend using the oven.

For best results, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place chicken thighs on a wire rack with a baking sheet and bake until the meat’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Do you Have Leftovers?

There are plenty of ways to use leftovers, from using the chicken in other meals to using it for lunches during the week. To create a meal, try shredding the chicken and adding it to pasta, a stir fry, burritos, or soup.

You can use it in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for lunches. I like to spread a thick layer of pesto on the chicken and top it with roasted peppers and rocket.

Which Wood Chips

The type of wood chips you use affects the final flavor of the chicken. I usually use mild fruitwood, like cherry or applewood, when cooking poultry and pork. The mild wood complements the sweet flavors. I recommend hickory, mesquite, or oak for a more robust smoke flavor.

What Sides to Serve

Grilled vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or mashed potatoes in a casserole work well with smoked chicken thighs. Try mac and cheese or duck fat potatoes if you want something more indulgent.

More Pit Boss Recipes

Pit Boss Smoked Onion Bombs
Pit Boss Chicken Teriyaki Chicken
Pit Boss Smoked Pork Belly Strips
Pit Boss Smoked Chicken Thighs
Pit Boss Smoked Trout
Pit Boss Smoked Pork Belly Ends
Pit Boss Smoked Cod
Pit Boss 0 400 Wings

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Smoke On!

Charlie

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