Deliciously Tender Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs with the Perfect Rub
Welcome to the delightful world of smoked chicken, where the rich flavors and succulent textures can transform a simple meal into a memorable feast. Today, I’m excited to share with you a fantastic recipe for smoked boneless chicken thighs that will impress your family and friends. This recipe not only delivers incredibly flavorful chicken but also offers various serving suggestions, including smoked chicken tacos and sandwiches. Let’s dive into how you can create this smoky delight in your backyard.
Choosing the Right Chicken and Preparation
The secret to achieving mouth-watering smoked chicken begins with choosing the right cut. For this recipe, we use boneless skinless chicken thighs because of their juiciness and flavor. Smoking boneless chicken thighs is slightly quicker than their bone-in counterparts, making them a convenient option for smoking newbies and seasoned grill masters alike.
Crafting the Ultimate Smoked Chicken Rub
The chicken rub for smoking is pivotal in crafting the flavor profile of this dish. For the best chicken rub for smoking, we combine classic ingredients to create a smoked chicken rub recipe that perfectly complements the natural flavors of the meat. This rub includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper—a simple yet powerful combination that enhances the chicken without overpowering it.
The Smoking Process
How long to smoke boneless chicken thighs? The answer lies in the thickness of the thighs and the temperature of your smoker. Typically, smoking at 225 degrees Fahrenheit, these thighs will need about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the perfect tenderness and internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a reliable meat thermometer will ensure your chicken is cooked safely and to perfection.
Versatility in Serving
Once smoked, these boneless skinless smoked chicken thighs are incredibly versatile. You can serve them as is, with side dishes for smoked chicken like coleslaw or grilled vegetables, or shred them for smoked shredded chicken, perfect for tacos or sandwiches. Smoked chicken tacos, paired with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, make for an irresistible weeknight meal or party food.
Elevating the Experience with Sides
No smoked meal is complete without considering what to serve alongside it. Side dishes for smoked chicken can range from simple salads and roasted potatoes to more elaborate dishes like macaroni and cheese or baked beans. Choose sides that will complement the rich smokiness of the chicken without competing for attention.
Final Thoughts on Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs
This smoked boneless chicken thighs recipe is not just about achieving the perfect tenderness and flavor—it’s also about enjoying the process of cooking with smoke. Whether you’re a novice smoker or a seasoned pitmaster, this recipe guarantees a delicious outcome with the smoked chicken seasoning ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. Prepare for your next BBQ to be a hit with these irresistibly tender smoked chicken thighs that promise to be the star of any meal.
So, fire up your smoker, apply that tantalizing chicken smoking rub, and get ready for a culinary adventure with smoked boneless skinless chicken thighs. Happy smoking!
Smoked Boneless Chicken Thighs
Equipment
- 1 Smoker
- 1 Meat thermometer
- 1 Tongs
- Basting Board
- Cutting Board
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 8 Boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cups Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1/4 cups BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preparation: Lay the 8 Boneless chicken thighs out on a cutting board. Pat them dry with paper towels.8 Boneless chicken thighs
- Mix Seasoning: In a mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cups Olive oil, 2 tbsp Smoked paprika, 1 tbsp Garlic powder, 1 tbsp Onion powder, 1 tsp Salt, and 1/2 tsp Black pepper.1/4 cups Olive oil, 2 tbsp Smoked paprika, 1 tbsp Garlic powder, 1 tbsp Onion powder, 1 tsp Salt, 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- Apply Seasoning: Rub the seasoning mix thoroughly onto all sides of the chicken thighs.
- Preheat Smoker: Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Smoke Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the smoker. Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Baste: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, baste the chicken thighs with 1/4 cups BBQ sauce.1/4 cups BBQ sauce
- Rest: Remove the chicken thighs from the smoker and let them rest on a plate covered with aluminum foil for about 10 minutes before serving
Tasty