How to Smoke Chicken Breast Successfully
In my thinking, the chicken breast is the “steak” of this poultry. It’s juicy, sliceable for dinner, and has 101 uses. You may have only enjoyed smoked chicken as a main dish, but it has many more culinary applications, including:
- Chunky chicken salad
- Cobb salad
- Empanadas
- Fajitas
- Hot or cold pasta toss
- Nachos
- Orzo
- Pizza topper
- Salad toppings
- Soup
- Stew
- Stir fry
- Tacos
- Wraps
Well, you get the idea.
Any of these are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And, hey, pick a few pieces from the fridge for a late-night snack!
So how hard is it to smoke a chicken breast successfully? Not anywhere near as difficult as you may think. Try my recipe.
Instructions (for five people)
- 5 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 3 Tbsp seasoning rub **
- 3 Tbsp olive or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Set your smoker to 225 F. Try pecan, apple, orange, or apple smoking woods. These are lighter, letting the smoked chicken’s flavor shine.
- Grease the smoker grates to deter sticking.
- Rub all the chicken breasts with the oil.
- Follow with a complete coating of seasoning rub.
- Put into the smoker for about 1 hour (160 F internal temperature).
- Serve hot or cold.
** PitMasters Memo: Cuso Special Seasonings for Chicken
Cuso’s creatively designed seasonings are the perfect rub for your smoked chicken. Which one you use is really purely a personal preference. Let’s look at a few.
- Dust Seasoning: Dust is a gentle spice that never overwhelms your chicken (instead of center stage, it’s more like the “crew”). It is also slightly smoky, making it a perfect pairing.
- Hot Honey Seasoning: The ideal blend of heat and sweetness. Try the finished chicken with garlic, thyme, and sage sauce.
- Lemon Pepper: Lemon is one of those flavor profiles that snuggle up with chicken with great results every time. It’s fresh and fulfilling.
- Maple Bourbon Seasoning: This leans into the savory side. You can also use it as a marinade for chicken coupled with beer.
- Spicy Garlic Buffalo Barbecue Rub: For fans of traditional chicken wings, this rub’s for you. It adds depth to the meat. Serve it smothered in fried mushrooms.
- Tequila Lime Habanero: Bright citrus notes with smoky chipotle powder. It’s a taste explosion in every bite.
I encourage you to try mixing the spices and see the results of your creativity.
Cuso has other seasoning selections for your enjoyment, including cost-saving bundles.
Side Dishes for Smoked Chicken Breast
3-bean salad
Barbecue baked beans
Biscuits (or cornbread)
German potato salad
Mac n’ cheese
From the Bar
Bourbon
Gin and tonic
Guinness
Malbec
Sparkling apple cider
