Chicken is a staple in many American households, but sometimes it can be hard to keep it interesting. If you’re looking for a new way to prepare chicken that will impress your family and friends, smoking it is a great option!
Smoking chicken breast in an electric smoker is easy to do and only takes a few hours. Plus, electric smokers are much less expensive than their traditional counterparts. Here’s how to make electric smoker chicken breast:
You can also check our articles on How to Clean an Electric Smoker, How to Make Smoked Whole Chicken Masterbuilt Electric Smoker, How to Smoke a Pork Loin Roast in an Electric Smoker, How to Make Smoked Sausage in Electric Smoker, The Ultimate Guide to Seasoning an Electric Smoker, and How to Make Electric Smoker Chicken Thighs.
How to Smoke Chicken Breast in Electric Smoker?
Let’s get started with the process of smoking chicken breast in an electric smoker. First, you need to purchase an electric smoker. These can be found online or at most home improvement stores. Once you have your smoker, it’s time to prepare the chicken.
Prepping the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water. Then, remove any excess fat or skin that you don’t want to eat. Next, you’ll need to dry the chicken breasts. This can be done by patting them down with a paper towel or using a clean dish towel.
The Brining Process
After the chicken is dry, it’s time to brine it. Brining the chicken means that you’ll soak it in a saltwater solution for at least an hour.
To make a simple brine, mix together 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of Kosher salt. Then, submerge the chicken breasts in the mixture and let them soak for at least an hour. You can also add other flavors to the brine, like garlic, onion, or even lemon juice.
Reasons Why You Should Brine the Chicken
The purpose of brining is to help the chicken breasts retain moisture while they’re smoking. Without brining, the chicken can dry out and become tough.
Another benefit of brining is that it can help to infuse the chicken with flavor. By adding other ingredients to the brine, like garlic or onion, you can give the chicken breasts a subtle flavor that will be very tasty.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the brining process. However, your chicken breasts may not be as moist and tender as they would if you had brined them.
Setting Up your Smoker
Now it’s time to set up your smoker. Start by putting the wood chips in the smoker. Then, fill the water pan with water and place it in the smoker.
Turn on the smoker and set it to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, let it preheat for at least 30 minutes before adding the chicken.
Seasoning the chicken
Once the smoker is up to temperature, it’s time to season the chicken. You can use any type of seasoning that you may prefer.
Homemade Chicken Rub
If you’re looking for a great chicken rub recipe, here’s one that we love:
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Mix all of the ingredients together in a small bowl and then rub them all over the chicken breasts.
Adding the Chicken to the Smoker
Once the chicken is seasoned, it’s time to add it to the smoker. Place the chicken breasts on the racks in the smoker and then close the lid.
Smoke the Chicken Breasts
Let the chicken breasts smoke for 3-4 hours or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
You’ll need to check on the chicken breasts a few times throughout the smoking process. Make sure that the water pan still has water in it and that the wood chips haven’t run out.
If the chicken breasts start to get too much color, you can cover them with foil. This will help to prevent them from burning.
What Temperature Should I Smoke Chicken Breast?
Ideally, you should smoke chicken breasts at a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if your smoker doesn’t go that low, you can still smoke the chicken breasts at a higher temperature.
Just keep in mind that the higher the temperature, the quicker the chicken will cook. So, if you smoke chicken breasts at a temperature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit, they’ll be done in about 2-3 hours.
How Long to Smoke Chicken Breast?
It’s best to smoke chicken breasts for 3-4 hours. However, if you’re short on time, you can still get good results by smoking them for 2-3 hours.
What Temperature Should I Cook Chicken To?
The internal temperature of the chicken breasts should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast and wait for a few minutes. Once the thermometer has stabilized, you’ll be able to see the internal temperature of the chicken.
Keep in mind that the chicken will continue to cook even after you take it out of the smoker. So, it’s best to pull the chicken breasts out of the smoker when they’re just a few degrees shy of being done.
Rest and Serve
Once the chicken breasts have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
Then, you can serve them however you like!
Top Tips for Smoked Chicken Breast
Here are some tips for smoking chicken breast that will ensure juicy, flavorful results:
1. Start with a quality cut of meat. Chicken breasts can vary widely in terms of quality, so it’s important to start with a good cut of meat. Look for chicken breasts that are plump and uniform in size.
2. Use a flavorful marinade. Marinating your chicken breasts in a flavorful liquid will help to keep them moist and add flavor. Try using a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
3. Cook low and slow. Smoking chicken breast takes patience, but cooking it slowly at a low temperature will result in juicier, more flavorful meat.
4. Avoid opening the smoker. Every time you open the smoker, heat escapes, and this can dry out the chicken.
5. Baste the chicken. Basting the chicken with apple cider vinegar or another liquid will help to keep it moist.
6. Don’t overcook the chicken. As we have already mentioned, smoked chicken breast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher and the chicken will be dry and tough.
7. Allow the chicken to rest. Once the chicken is cooked, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting into it. This will help to keep the juices from running out when you cut into the meat.
8. Slice against the grain. When slicing smoked chicken breast, be sure to do so against the grain – this will produce thinner slices that are easier to chew.
9. Serve with a dipping sauce. Adding a dipping sauce or gravy can help to moisten dry smoked chicken breast and add some extra flavor.
What to Serve with Smoked Chicken Breasts?
One of the great things about smoked chicken breasts is that they are incredibly versatile. You can serve them with almost any type of side dish, and they will taste great. Here are a few of our favorite pairings for smoked chicken breasts:
-Smoked chicken breasts pair well with roasted potatoes. Cut your potatoes into bite-sized pieces, toss them in olive oil and salt, and roast them in a 400-degree oven for 25-30 minutes. Add some rosemary or thyme before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
-Another great option is to serve your smoked chicken breasts with a quinoa salad. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, and then mix it with chopped vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Add a vinaigrette dressing of your choice, and you’re good to go!
-If you’re looking for something on the lighter side, try pairing your smoked chicken breasts with a simple green salad. We like to add crumbled feta cheese, diced avocado, and a light vinaigrette dressing to our salads. Add some chopped nuts or dried fruit for a little extra flavor and texture.
Storing and Reheating
The best way to store smoked chicken breasts is in an airtight container in the fridge. Tightly wrapping them in foil or plastic wrap will also do the trick. If you’re planning on eating them within the next few days, they’ll be just fine stored this way. However, if you want to make sure they stay fresh for longer, you can also freeze them. Just remember to thaw them completely before reheating.
Reheating Smoked Chicken Breasts
There are a few different ways you can reheat your smoked chicken breasts so that they’re just as moist and flavorful as when they were first cooked.
One method is to heat them up in a covered dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they’re heated through.
Another option is to shred the chicken and add it to a soup or stew that’s already simmering on the stove. Or, if you’re short on time, you can always just pop them in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
What to do With Leftover Smoked Chicken Breast?
If you have any smoked chicken breast left over, there are plenty of ways to use it.
Smoked Chicken Breast Salad
One of our favorite ways to use up leftover smoked chicken breast is to make a salad. Just dice up the chicken and mix it with some chopped vegetables, like tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Add your favorite salad dressing, and you’re ready to eat!
Smoked Chicken Breast Pizza
Another great way to use smoked chicken breast is to make pizza. Simply top a store-bought or homemade pizza crust with some sauce, mozzarella cheese, and chicken. Then bake according to the crust directions.
Smoked Chicken Breast Stir Fry
Stir fry is another great way to use up smoked chicken breast. Just chop up the chicken and mix it with some vegetables, like broccoli, peppers, and mushrooms. Now that your vegetables are cooked, add some stir-fry sauce to finish the dish!
Smoked Chicken Breast Breakfast Hash
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, look no further than this smoked chicken breast breakfast hash. Just mix the diced chicken with some cooked potatoes, onions, and peppers. You can make it as spicy as you’d like. It’s simple! Simply fry all of the ingredients in a pan, and you’re ready to eat!
What Wood for Smoked Chicken Breast?
The key to a great smoked chicken breast is in the wood that you use. Here are some of the best woods for smoking chicken breast so that you can get the perfect flavor every time.
Maple Wood
Maple wood is a great option because it imparts a delicate sweetness that complements the bird’s natural flavor. At the same time, maple wood produces very little smoke, so you won’t have to worry about your chicken breast becoming overly smoky. If you’re looking for a subtle flavor enhancement, maple wood is an excellent choice for smoked chicken breast.
Applewood
Applewood is another option for imparting flavor. Its light, sweet smoke pairs well with the delicate flavor of chicken, without overwhelming it. In addition, applewood produces a fairly thin Smoke that can penetrate the meat without making it overly dry. As a result, chicken smoked with applewood is generally moist and juicy, with just a hint of smoky flavor.
Cherry Wood
Cherry wood is another popular choice for smoking chicken breast. Its subtle sweetness compliments the chicken without overpowering it, and its reddish hue can give the meat a beautiful color. Cherry wood is also relatively easy to find, making it a good choice for those who are just starting out smoking. However, cherry wood does have a few drawbacks. It can Burn easily, so it’s important to keep an eye on the fire when smoking with cherry wood.
Mesquite
Mesquite is another best option. Mesquite has a strong, rich flavor that pairs well with chicken. It also burns hot and fast, which is ideal for smoking chicken breast. When using mesquite, it’s important to soak the wood in water for at least 30 minutes before using it.
This will help to prevent the wood from burning too hot and giving the chicken an unpleasant flavor. Soaking the wood also helps to produce more smoke, which is perfect for infusing the chicken with flavor.
Electric Smoker Chicken Breast Recipes
Brined and Smoked Bone-in Chicken Breasts
This recipe for brined and smoked chicken breast is the perfect way to infuse your chicken with flavor. The brine helps to keep the chicken moist, while the smoked chicken provides a delicious smoky flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Brine:
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups ice cubes
Other Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds bone-in chicken breasts
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups maple wood chips
Directions
1. To make the brine, combine the water, kosher salt, sugar, black peppercorns, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, and bay leaves in a large pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat and add the ice cubes.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the brine and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
4. To make the smoked chicken, combine the apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a large bowl.
5. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
6. Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade and coat it evenly.
7. Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Add maple wood chips to the smoker.
9. Place the chicken in the smoker and smoke for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Remove from the smoker and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Spicy Smoked Chicken Breast Rub Dry Brine
This is another recipe that we love. It is a great way to dry brine chicken breast, and the results are amazing. The key to this recipe is to use a good quality smoked paprika and to make sure that you don’t overdo it on the cayenne pepper. If you do, the heat will be overwhelming, and the flavor will be lost.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2-3 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless
Directions
1. Combine all of the spices in a small bowl and mix well.
2. Place the chicken breast in a large resealable bag, and add the spice mixture. Seal the bag and massage it until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
3. Place the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
4. Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees F.
5. Place the chicken on the smoker and smoke for about 3 hours, or until it is done.
6. Remove from the smoker and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Electric Smoker Chicken Breast FAQs
How long does it take to smoke chicken breasts at 225?
It takes approximately 4-6 hours to smoke chicken breasts at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. However, cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
How long does it take to smoke chicken breast at 250 degrees?
It usually takes about 3-4 hours to smoke chicken breast at 250 degrees.
How do you keep chicken moist when smoking?
There are a few different ways to keep chicken moist when smoking. One method is to marinate the chicken in a Marinade injection before smoking. This helps to add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
Another way to keep chicken moist is to cook it on a rack that is raised above the water pan. This allows the chicken to stay out of the direct heat, preventing it from drying out.
Finally, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken and take it off the smoker when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do you flip chicken breast when smoking?
When it comes to smoking chicken breast, there is no need to flip the meat. The low and slow cooking method used in smoking ensures that the chicken will be cooked evenly without drying out. However, if you find that your chicken is browning too quickly on one side, you can always give it a flip to help ensure even cooking.
How do You Know When Smoked Chicken is Fully Cooked?
While there are several ways to tell if the chicken is fully cooked, using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Another way to tell if the chicken is cooked is by looking at the juices. If they are clear, the chicken is done. If the juices are still pink, the chicken needs to be cooked longer.
You can tell if the chicken is cooked by cutting into it. The meat should no longer be pink. If any pink remains, the chicken needs to be cooked longer.
Should I let my chicken rest?
The simple answer is yes; you should always let your chicken rest before cutting into it. When the chicken is cooked, the juices inside begin to flow towards the center of the meat. If you cut into the chicken too soon, all of those juices will spill out, and your chicken will be dry. However, if you let the chicken rest for a few minutes, those juices will have a chance to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful meal.
What temperature do you smoke chicken breasts?
For the best results, chicken breasts should be smoked at a temperature between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do you smoke chicken breast up or down?
It doesn’t matter if you smoke chicken breast up or down. However, some people prefer to cook chicken breast side down so that the skin crisps up. Others prefer to cook chicken breast side up so that the juices don’t drip down into the fire and cause flare-ups.
Do you wrap chicken in foil when smoking?
No, you do not need to wrap the chicken in foil when smoking. But some people like to do so because it helps to keep the chicken moist.
How Many Calories in Boneless Skinless Smoked Chicken Breast?
A four-ounce serving of boneless, skinless smoked chicken breast contains approximately 140 calories. However, this number can vary depending on the method of smoking and the type of chicken breast used.
In addition, dark meat chicken breasts tend to be higher in calories than white meat chicken breasts.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make electric smoker chicken breast, it’s time to get started! Just remember to keep an eye on the temperature and to let the chicken rest before cutting into it. Enjoy!