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Smoked chicken thighs which are delicious and mouthwatering, could be combined into a crowd-pleaser, with rich and smoky mouth melting flavors that melt right into your mouth. Biting into thighs that have been perfectly seasoned and coated in an appealingly bronzed, crispy skin, with havres of that slightly sweet, exclusive flavor of applewood smoke is affecting. It’s that meal, really, that would make even the mundane dinner rather extraordinary. Even more interesting, you can master it with even one of the easier cuts when it comes to using a smoker. Whether you are gearing up for a backyard cookout or preparing for a cozy family dinner, this recipe ensures that you’ll get the results you want every time. Plus, we even have a section for smoked chicken drumsticks, so you can change things up every once in a while. Enjoy bold tastes of smoked chicken thighs made easy!
Smoked Chicken Thighs: Bold, Juicy, Irresistible
Smoked chicken thighs perfectly symbolize the backyard American dish: bold tastes but easy preparation. Summer BBQ’s coziness or fall warmth finds its place on this dish always. People enjoy chicken thighs for their juiciness and crispy, smoky skin, and they are flabbergastingly versatile when it comes to flavor. Smoking made wonders to the rich, savory taste of chicken with tenderness. That’s it. Very beginner-friendly yet very attractive to guests. If you want a tantalizing yet crowd-friendly dish, this is it. Fire up the smoker. Let’s get started!
Smoked Chicken Thighs: A Family Tradition
As I prepare these smoked thighs of chicken, I keep crawling back to warm summer family nights where everyone gathered around the backyard smoker. My dad was the pitmaster at our home, and weekends meant experimenting with rubs, wood chips, and techniques. I still remember the smell of applewood filling the air, the sizzle of the first bite, and the laughter as we waited for the thighs to reach perfection. Now, crushing chicken thighs has become my ritual for carrying this tradition forward—telling stories and relishing the deep, luscious flavors with friends and family. It’s more than a recipe; it is a memory of home, connection, and manifest happiness in shared meals.
Deliciously Tender Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: SouthernDifficulty: EasyServings
6
servingsPrep time
15
minutesCooking time
1
hour30
minutesalories per serving
250
kcalIngredients
6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder (optional, for added heat)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 cup apple juice (for spritzing)
Hickory or applewood chips (for smoking)
Directions
- Accomplish the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels for perfectly crisp skin. Drizzle each thigh with a light coat of olive oil, ensuring it's evenly spread.
- Mix the Rub
- In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, chili powder (if using), thyme, and brown sugar. Generously apply the rub to the chicken thighs, covering all sides evenly.
- Set Up the Smoker
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F. Add hickory or applewood chips to the smoker box or tray. Let the smoker heat up and stabilize at the desired temperature.
- Smoke the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs on the smoker grates, skin-side up. Close the lid and smoke for 1 hour.
- Spritz for Moisture
- After 1 hour, lightly spritz the chicken thighs with apple juice using a spray bottle. This helps lock in moisture and adds a subtle flavor boost.
- Finish Cooking
- Continue smoking the chicken thighs for another 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Chicken
- Remove the thighs from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly, ensuring tender and flavorful bites.
Notes
- Selection of Wood: Hickory gives a strong earthy, smoky flavor while it's the applewood that would have a sweeter and lighter flavor profile. Choose the flavor that suits your preference.
Rub Variations: Use honey powder instead of brown sugar for a twist of its sweetness.
Storage: The leftovers can be stored for up to three days in a sealed air-tight refrigerator. To reheat, do it in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit to retain the moisture.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Pro tip: Fill the water pan in the smoker; it will help maintain humidity, and the chicken won't dry out.
Nutrition Facts
6 servings per container
Serving size 1 smoked chicken thigh (150g)
Calories 250
| Total Fat 15g | 19% |
|---|---|
| Saturated Fat 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 90mg | 30% |
| Sodium 300mg | 13% |
| Total Carbohydrate 3g | 1% |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1g | |
| Includes Added Sugars 1g | 2% |
| Protein 22g |
| Vitamin D 0.2mcg | 1% |
|---|---|
| Calcium 25mg | 2% |
| Iron 1.0mg | 6% |
| Potassium 300mg | 6% |
FAQ
Boneless smoked chicken thighs are a good option?
Oh yeah, they certainly are! Boneless smoked chicken thighs will cook more quickly than bone-in types, usually 45-60 minutes. They are really perfect for when you want a leaner option and quicker preparation. Remember to check them with a meat thermometer and aim for 165 degree Fahrenheit doneness.
Which type of smoker is best for smoking chicken thighs?
Any kind of smoker can smoke the chicken thighs well-from pellet to electric and charcoal. Pellet smokers help you to be precise but charcoal will give you a better profile of a deeper more smoky flavor. Whatever way you choose keep the temperature on constant 225-degree Fahrenheit to get the juiciest chicken thighs.
Can I prepare smoked chicken thighs in advance?
Yes, one day ahead of cooking the thighs, smoke them, then place the smoked thighs in an airtight container, and bake in a 300°F oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The initial smoking is also slightly underdone to keep the juiciness when reheated.
How to smoke chicken thighs without a smoker?
Use your grill! Add wood chips to a smoker box or foil pouch and place over direct heat. Cook the chicken thighs on the grill’s indirect heat to give them a smoky flavor.
How do I get crispy skin on smoked chicken thighs?
Broil thighs in the oven for about 2-3 minutes after they are finished smoking or sear them on a really hot grill. That golden-brown, crispy finish is achieved.
I want smoked chicken thighs spicy! *How can I make that happen?
For spiciness, cayenne pepper or chili powder work well in the rub or serve with some spicy BBQ sauce alongside the smoked chicken thighs. Adjust heat easily to your liking!
Wrap Up your Smoked Chicken Thighs Adventure
Smoked chicken thighs are such an excellent recipe if one wants flavorful food that can be versatile and surprisingly easy to make. Regardless of whether one is new to smoking meat or a professional, the recipe ensures that juicy and tender meat skin will have golden brown skin with every try. The savory spice rub combined with rich smoky flavor will cause all family members rushing for seconds, whether at home for family dinner, backyard barbecue, or a weekend treat for oneself.
Another amazing thing about smoked chicken thighs is that they are completely customizable. Want some heat? Add cayenne to the rub. Extra crispy? Finish under the broiler or on the grill. It doesn’t matter what you do to this recipe, it will please everyone.
So why not? Heat up your smoker, gather together your ingredients, and work your magic. You’ll impress friends and relatives, but probably get more confident about your smoking skills. Actually, smoked chicken thighs are a meal for an experience rather than for being meals; sharing people bite after bite. Therefore try it, and enjoy these bold, smoky flavors that make it a true favorite.
