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    You are here: Home / Cuisines / American / Smoked Chicken Breasts

    Smoked Chicken Breasts

    20 August 2018 - By Michelle Minnaar
    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Facebook7TweetPin20YummlyShares27
    Jump to Recipe

    Smoked chicken breasts are very popular these days and can be found in salads, soups, curries, and more. Sometimes, you might not even know that your dish contains smoked chicken breasts because it is so well incorporated into the overall dish. For example, when you order a salad, you might come across smoked chicken breasts which are cut into smaller pieces, instead of whole breasts. Smoking chicken breasts is an excellent way to jazz up this prime cut of chicken by lending it extra flavour. They work particularly well with BBQ recipes!

    A wire basket full of smoked chicken breasts

    how to make the best smoked chicken breasts

    Smoking meat is an age old trick to preserving meat as well as adding plenty of extra flavour to it. If you've never tasted smoked chicken breasts, you're in for a treat. They burst with rich flavours and sometimes they even carry a subtle bitterness. Smoked chicken breasts work exceptionally well for leftover recipes. You can tear the smoked breasts into smaller pieces and include them in a delicious leftover curry recipe. Or, you can cut them into small squares and prepare this smoked chicken filo tart recipe.  If you feel like eating a light lunch, you can make this nutritious chicken, almond and orange salad. With smoked chicken breasts, you will make this salad even more sophisticated.

    As you can see, cooking smoked chicken breasts is very useful as it is a versatile meat. There are many elements that influence the final outcome. If you want to make the best smoked chicken breasts, you'll need to pay attention to the preparation of the chicken breasts prior to the actual smoking. Give yourself an day or half a day in advance for applying the proper preparation method.

    Chicken Breasts Brining

    how to make brine smoked chicken breasts

    Often, home cooks dread smoking cuts of meat because they are under the impression that this cooking technique will dry it out. Well, this is where brining comes into play. Before you learn how to make smoked the meat, you need to learn how to brine chicken breasts first.  This is the number one trick that will make your smoked chicken breasts stand out!

    smoked chicken breast brine

    The brining process involves submerging the chicken breasts in a sweet and salty solution for a considerable amount of time. This encourages the water to be absorbed into the muscle cells of the chicken, making it moist and juicy once you cook it. So, before you attempt making smoked chicken breasts, leave them in a brine (in the fridge) so you avoid the risk of the chicken breasts drying out in the smoker.

    You don't have to limit yourself to just breasts. You can learn how to brine chicken too. Yes, the whole chicken! You can leave the meat in the brine for a couple of hours, overnight in the refrigerator or for an entire day.

    Metal basket with Raw Chicken Breast

    how to smoke chicken breasts in a smoker

    Before you can start the smoking process, you actually need to source a smoker. There are different types of smokers: charcoal smokers, electrical smokers, propane smoker, and more. Also, you can opt for having a vertical smoker or a horizontal one. Honestly, it doesn't make much difference to this smoked chicken recipe. As long as you brine and then smoke the chicken breasts, you'll have the end result that you are looking for.

    If you don't have a smoker, you can also toss the chicken breasts on an open fire grill. This way, the chicken breasts will absorb some of the smoke while they cook. Plus, they might catch a nice char on the exterior. Most importantly, for smoking any type of meat, you need the right woodchips to match your meat.

    A piece of chicken on a grill with bbq on it for smoked chicken breasts

    apple woodchip smoked chicken breasts

    Having trouble selecting the right type of woodchips for your smoked chicken breasts? There are many types of woodchips available to the consumer, with each woodchip having a different effect on the meat. Apple woodchips work the best with poultry because they leave a sweet and smoky flavour. Similarly to apple woodchips, mulberry woodchips also leave a sweet finish, with hints of berries. If you want to take it easy with the smoky flavours, then try maple woodchips since they are mild and subtle. Most importantly, you should soak the woodchips in water for some moisture, otherwise they will burn.

    To learn more about the different types of the woodchips used for smoking, click here. You'll be able to find exactly which flavours work with all types of meat.

    a piece of smoked chicken breasts and vegan coleslaw on a plate

    what to serve with BBQ smoked chicken breasts

    Firstly, I highly recommend pairing the smoked chicken breasts with a delicious gluten free BBQ sauce. After the smoking process you can glaze the breasts with the sauce and finish it off on the barbecue. It is best to use a brush for this step. Once your smoked chicken breasts are done, you can serve them immediately or let them cool down. The benefit of this recipe is that the smoked chicken breasts store well in the refrigerator and you can even freeze them.

    In either case, you should pair these BBQ smoked chicken breasts with something fresh and crunchy, such as this vegan coleslaw. It's much lighter than the traditional coleslaw recipes as you don't have the mayonnaise element. Alternatively, you can also combine this recipe with a shredded rainbow salad. It's not only vibrant in colour, but in flavour as well.

    As with any BBQ recipe, don't forget to have some cold drinks in the refrigerator. Preferably, some cold beers if you are expecting some company. A lager and smoked BBQ chicken breasts are a match made in heaven.

    What would you use smoked chicken breasts for?

    Print
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    Smoked Recipe

    Smoked Chicken Breasts


    ★★★★★

    5 from 5 reviews

    • Author: Michelle Minnaar
    • Total Time: 60 minutes
    • Yield: 8 1x
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Once you try these smoked chicken breasts, you'll never go back to plain chicken. You can include this juicy meat in salads, curries, soups and rissotos.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 8 brined chicken breasts
    • Salt and pepper
    • Apple or cherry wood chips

    Instructions

    1. For a very basic brining method, check out my How To Brine Chicken article.
    2. Preheat the Char-Broil Big Easy Smoker on the High setting and fill the smoking box with wood chips.
    3. Wait for 10 minutes until the chips begin to smoke, then change the heat setting to Low.
    4. Arrange the chicken breasts on the top and bottom shelf of the wire basket and place in smoker.
    5. Close lid and cook until the chicken’s internal temperature is 75°C (165°F). This takes about 40-45 minutes.
    6. Remove the chicken from the smoker and wrap the chicken in foil, letting it rest for about 20 minutes before eating.

    Notes

    • To cook the chicken evenly, halfway through the cooking time you can place the bottom pieces in the top shelf and vice versa.
    • I preferred using the low setting because cooking meat can sometimes lead to rubbery/tough textures.
    • The cooking might differ from the above because it depends on the size of the chicken and heat setting you use. For best results, use a meat thermometer!
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 45 minutes
    • Category: Main Course
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 112
    • Sugar: 2.9 g
    • Sodium: 41 mg
    • Fat: 2.5 g
    • Carbohydrates: 4.1 g
    • Protein: 17.5 g
    • Cholesterol: 47 mg

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. melanie stirling

      August 20, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      They would be delicious with some bacon and salad tossed together.

      Reply
      • melanie stirling

        August 21, 2018 at 8:27 pm

        The question has changed so my favourite way to enjoy lamb is roast lamb and mint sauce.

        Reply
    2. Kim Neville

      August 21, 2018 at 2:12 pm

      Would have with jacket potato and salad with dressing

      Reply
    3. Nicola Holland

      August 21, 2018 at 3:47 pm

      My god, my mouth is watering! This looks delicious

      Reply
    4. Helen Moulden

      August 21, 2018 at 8:17 pm

      I like lamb quite simply, roasted with mint sauce! I'm also signed up for the newsletter 🙂

      Reply
      • michelle

        August 21, 2018 at 8:45 pm

        fantastic! Welcome!

        Reply
    5. cheryl hadfield

      August 21, 2018 at 10:28 pm

      I would serve it with potato wedges and a side salad

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Tracy Nixon

      August 22, 2018 at 7:04 pm

      I'd serve with a jacket potato and roasted veg!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. sam macaree

      August 22, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      with potato and veg

      Reply
    8. Solange

      August 22, 2018 at 7:31 pm

      Bacon wrapped chicken breasts with roasted red potatoes.

      Reply
    9. pete c

      August 24, 2018 at 8:24 pm

      would use with jacket potatoes, spinach and some coleslaw

      Reply
    10. Kelly Hirst

      August 25, 2018 at 9:40 am

      I’d use them on a ceaser salad for all the family

      Reply
    11. Katherine Lawson

      August 27, 2018 at 3:18 pm

      I'd love to serve the smoked chicken pulled apart and as part of a fajita!

      Reply
    12. Peter Watson

      September 03, 2018 at 6:51 pm

      These chicken breasts would be ideal for a meal for a family gathering to be held soon.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Rena Plumridge

      September 03, 2018 at 7:20 pm

      I’d use the chicken on salad

      Reply
    14. Tania Atfield

      September 03, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      I would use them in a salad with pesto and halloumi

      Reply
    15. iain maciver

      September 03, 2018 at 8:58 pm

      with potatoes or chips and peas

      Reply
    16. Emma C

      September 03, 2018 at 9:13 pm

      In pasta

      Reply
    17. Angie McDonald

      September 03, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      I'd serve them with a cousin cousin salad

      Reply
    18. Amanda Richardson

      September 03, 2018 at 11:24 pm

      Would serve them drizzled with pesto and stir fried veg

      Reply
    19. Susan Lloyd

      September 03, 2018 at 11:52 pm

      Definitely with pasta and Alfredo sauce x

      Reply
    20. Dawn Chapman

      September 04, 2018 at 9:49 am

      On crusty bread!

      Reply
    21. Ruth Harwood

      September 04, 2018 at 10:03 am

      A lovely curry xx

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    22. Kristyn Harris

      September 04, 2018 at 1:55 pm

      I would use smoked chicken breast to make a tasty salad!

      Reply
    23. Annabel Greaves

      September 04, 2018 at 2:08 pm

      It would be for a delicious chicken curry

      Reply
    24. Emma Bradshaw

      September 04, 2018 at 4:37 pm

      Salad and new potatoes!

      Reply
    25. Lucy

      September 04, 2018 at 7:24 pm

      I think I'd have it with a nice light salad

      Reply
    26. Sheena Batey

      September 06, 2018 at 11:00 am

      T serve with roasted winter vegetables

      Reply
    27. Adrian Crook

      September 06, 2018 at 11:39 am

      A smoked chicken breast salad with mango

      Reply
    28. Keith Hunt

      September 06, 2018 at 12:12 pm

      To put on top of a pizza

      Reply
    29. Kim Murray

      September 07, 2018 at 2:01 pm

      Lovely in a sandwich with lots of lettuce and mayonnaise x

      Reply
    30. Catherine Bullas

      September 07, 2018 at 5:06 pm

      With some bacon and roast vegetables.

      Reply
    31. sue leake

      September 08, 2018 at 12:08 pm

      with pasta

      Reply
    32. Judith Allen

      September 08, 2018 at 5:09 pm

      I think my partner would love smoked chicken breast with salad. I don't like smoke flavoured things so I wouldn't be using for anything. But that's okay, Lisa would eat it all.

      Reply
    33. Martina Pichova

      September 08, 2018 at 6:36 pm

      For a main meal with some mashed potato.

      Reply
    34. claire woods

      September 09, 2018 at 10:57 am

      with veg

      Reply
    35. clair downham

      September 11, 2018 at 5:51 pm

      for tea with some potato wedges

      Reply
    36. Gillian Hitchen

      September 11, 2018 at 8:50 pm

      I would love these with salad

      Reply
    37. charlotte

      September 13, 2018 at 9:40 am

      id have it with some rice and salad mmm

      Reply
    38. nicola rupawala

      September 13, 2018 at 2:32 pm

      in salads

      Reply
    39. Emma Howard

      September 13, 2018 at 8:15 pm

      I'd serve sliced smoked chicken breasts with a salad

      Reply
    40. Nicola S

      September 14, 2018 at 3:54 pm

      So versatile but I would put them in some thickly sliced bread, with a pile of tasty tomatoes and a little mayonnaise.

      Reply
    41. Deirdre M

      September 15, 2018 at 7:26 pm

      Enchiladas!

      Reply
    42. Charlotte Burford

      September 16, 2018 at 9:42 am

      In a warm salad would be tasty!

      Reply
    43. Joanne Billington

      September 17, 2018 at 8:58 am

      Shredded and served in tacos

      Reply
    44. Mark McCaffery

      September 19, 2018 at 3:49 pm

      For some smoky chicken and vegetable fajitas

      Reply
    45. Margaret Mccaffery

      September 19, 2018 at 4:35 pm

      I'd use them in a salad.

      Reply
    46. Sarah Mccaffery

      September 19, 2018 at 5:37 pm

      I'd use them in a warm salad.

      Reply
    47. Jack Barks

      September 20, 2018 at 4:11 pm

      To top a mozzarella and bacon pizza

      Reply
    48. Holly Peterson

      September 21, 2018 at 11:50 am

      Some delicious Fajitas in soft Tortillas

      Reply
    49. Maggie Norvell

      September 23, 2018 at 7:28 pm

      I'd slice them onto a simple salad

      Reply
    50. James Travis

      September 24, 2018 at 8:51 pm

      Enchiladas

      Reply
    51. Hayley Atkins

      September 28, 2018 at 2:10 am

      I would enjoy them with an avocado salad.

      Reply
    52. Louise Ryves

      September 28, 2018 at 6:30 am

      I'd tear them and top a pizza

      Reply
    53. Laura Turner

      September 28, 2018 at 9:49 am

      I'd simply serve them with steamed asparagus and a chilli and cherry tomato chutney.

      Reply
    54. Angela Kelly

      September 28, 2018 at 1:36 pm

      I think they woud be really tasty in a salad.

      Reply
    55. Keith Glover

      September 28, 2018 at 6:33 pm

      Jacket spuds and cheese

      Reply
    56. Stef Acaster

      September 28, 2018 at 6:36 pm

      pasta and salad or a chicken layer pie

      Reply
    57. Sheri Darby

      September 28, 2018 at 6:47 pm

      Lovely with a salad

      Reply
    58. Kobi Carpenter

      September 29, 2018 at 10:24 am

      I would serve them plain with a homemade BBQ dip, then service with mac or potato salad

      Reply
    59. hannah igoe

      September 29, 2018 at 11:02 am

      These would be lovely in a stuffed pepper

      Reply
    60. sharon martin

      September 29, 2018 at 1:35 pm

      i think i'd use them in salads and with pasta

      Reply
    61. Maria hackett

      September 29, 2018 at 2:45 pm

      I would make some Enchiladas

      Reply
    62. Victoria Prince

      September 29, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      To liven up a green salad 🙂 I love a basic salad with chicken and smoked chicken would add a lovely "extra"

      Reply
    63. Carolyn E

      September 29, 2018 at 5:14 pm

      This pesto would be great with some homemade pasta, and some sliced smoked chicken on top, but then the pesto pasta would be great on its own or with any lovely meat sliced on top (rather than mixed in)

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    64. Amy Jo mclellan

      September 29, 2018 at 5:52 pm

      Served for dinner on a bed of rice 🙂

      Reply
    65. Bonnie King

      September 29, 2018 at 8:05 pm

      I'd have chicken fajitas in a lettuce wrap.

      Reply
    66. Teresa B

      September 29, 2018 at 8:19 pm

      On warmed flatbreads, with thinly slice tomatoes, cracked black pepper, oregano and olive oil

      Reply
    67. Erica Hughes

      September 29, 2018 at 8:52 pm

      In a salad

      Reply
    68. Adrian Bold

      September 29, 2018 at 10:08 pm

      I would serve with jacket potatoes and seasonal veg.

      Reply
    69. Meryl Thomas

      September 29, 2018 at 10:20 pm

      I'd use them in salads

      Reply
    70. Marie Rungapadiachy

      September 29, 2018 at 11:06 pm

      I would make a chicken and mushroom pie with this smoked chicken.

      Reply

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    about michelle

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